JAMIE BARJONAS has the world at his feet and the plaudits keep coming for the now-goalscoring midfielder.

He had been challenged by Kelty’s boss and captain to start hitting the back of the net on a regular basis and he has since scored in consecutive weeks.

Kevin Thomson told Press Sport that it was a “real coup” signing the 22-year-old in the summer and he netted his first for the club in a 1-0 win over Edinburgh City recently, followed swiftly by another at Stenhousemuir last Saturday.

Club skipper Michael Tidser was asked by Press Sport how highly he rated the former Rangers youth, and he responded: “Barjo (Barjonas) is quick, he’s powerful, he’s good on the ball; he just needs to maybe believe in himself that little bit more.

“I’ve told him this as I travel with him and I get on really well with him as he’s a good lad, and reminded him that Kelty’s going to be a stepping stone for him.

“I told him that when I left Celtic at the age of 19 or 20, that you have got to then go and make a career for yourself and forget about the past.

“There are expectations on him because he is a good player and he’s already showing up well.

“He’s enjoying his football for the first time in a long time as well, and as I said to someone the other day, I’m sure he’ll go on to have a right good career in the game if he keeps focused.

“I’m sure he will do as he’s a good lad, a good professional and if he keeps doing what he’s doing, and keeps setting his own standards high, I’m sure he’ll use Kelty as a stepping stone for a great career.”

Barjonas now has two to his name and his boss, Thomson, believes he has what it takes to play at a higher level.

“Barjo is a wonderful football player,” he said.

“I know him like the back of my hand as I had him beside me at Rangers for a couple of years.

“In my opinion, it’s a real coup getting him here.

“He’s a great kid that’s desperate to play.

“He really should be a full-time player and building up his career, but, listen, he’s been given a platform here to play.

“He trusts me and I trust him.

“I challenged him before the Edinburgh City game to start putting the ball in the back of the net and he got the winning goal, so I’m delighted with him.”

For his part, speaking to Press Sport after the full-time whistle had gone in last Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Ochilview, Barjonas joked that he couldn’t remember much about his second Kelty Hearts goal but insisted he’s out to become a scoresheet regular.

He netted his team’s third goal at Stenhousemuir on Saturday after scrambling an effort home despite goalkeeper Ryan Marshall’s attempts to block.

It gave the visitors breathing space during an entertaining afternoon at Ochilview, which two-goal Alfredo Agyeman sealed in their favour five minutes later, and added to Barjonas’ maiden strike for the club that won three points against Edinburgh City a week prior.

With five games played, unbeaten Kelty are top of League Two with 13 points, and Barjonas joked: “I’ll tell you the truth – I can’t even remember what happened!

“I remember taking a touch and, whatever happened after that, happened. I’m claiming it and I’ll claim the last touch!

“I think the goalie’s maybe came out, hit it off me, and it’s gone in.

“I’m trying to contribute on the scoresheet and getting assists. That’s what I want to try and do so I was able to get a goal today, so I’m happy. Hopefully that can continue.

“It was a very good result. I thought there were periods in the game when we could maybe do a wee bit better but, when we came out after half-time, and once the third goal went in, I think we were concentrated on killing the game.

“Obviously, the fourth goal came and I’m really happy for Alfie.

“I thought Alfie was brilliant; he definitely deserves the two goals. You can see in training that he’s working his hardest. Obviously, we’ve got big Fash Austin up front, who scores at least two a game, so for Alfie to come in and score two goals, I’m buzzing for him.”