JAGS star Simon Donnelly today handed new boss Ian McCall a huge boost by declaring himself raring to go for the new season.

The 32-year-old's campaign ended halfway through February when he tore a groin, amid concerns his career could be threatened.

But after rest and extensive therapy, Sid says he's never felt better and is already looking forward to pre-season starting on July 2.

The former Scotland star said: "It was really frustrating to tear the groin at Livingston. Then I tried to come back and it went again.

"But everything is fine now. If anything, the groin now feels stronger than before. Plus, having not played since February, I am fresh and pre-season can't come soon enough."

Donnelly says he can't wait to hook up with McCall after being impressed with the football played by his former side, Queen of the South, last season.

Sid said: "I thought that every time we played Queens they really tried to play football on the deck and it's obvious that is down to the manager's beliefs.

"I think that bodes well for what he will try to build at Firhill."

Donnelly has looked on in interest as McCall has been busy bolstering the threadbare Firhill ranks with six new summer signings within the first fortnight of his tenure.

Craig Hinchcliffe signed from St Mirren, while Falkirk duo Ryan McStay and Marc Twaddle have also penned Firhill contracts.

Also on the books are Albion Rovers duo Scott Chaplain - the Third Division player of the year - and Gordon Lennon, along with Liam Buchanan from Cowdenbeath.

And Donnelly has no doubts McCall's signing policy will prove a hit with the Firhill faithful.

He said: "Getting three players from SPL clubs is a bit of a coup. As far as Craig goes, we are getting a vastly experienced keeper with SPL exper-ience. I think that is a crucial factor between the sticks.

"The two Falkirk boys knocked back new deals to come here and that shows you how hungry they are for first- team football."

Donnelly added: "Then you have Scott, who will be coming with his confidence on a high having been voted Third Division Player of the Year and having scored over 20 goals."

Donnelly, however, made former club Dunfermline the pre-season title favourites.

He said: "You only have to look at the way they played after Christmas, and then all the trouble they caused Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final, to see that they have got to be big favourites for the title.

"But the First Division is shaping up into a cracking league, with Morton coming up. That is why I'll make sure I keep myself ticking over during the summer.

"Though my priority has been to rest and let the groin heal, I have started to step things up as I'm determined to have a good season. I want to hit the ground running."