KELTY HEARTS' on-loan contingent have won praise from the club's player / manager after they helped secure League One status for another season.

Michael Tidser has said that Alfie Bavidge, Lewis O'Donnell, Brody Paterson, Brad McKay and Reuben McAllister "have really stepped up to the plate" with their contributions in maroon throughout the campaign.

Bavidge, who arrived from Aberdeen in September, has hit nine goals in 24 games in a maroon shirt, whilst Dundee United midfielder O'Donnell has impressed over the course of 35 appearances so far.

The 18-year-old duo were joined by fellow teenager McAllister, from Hibernian, and the more experienced defensive duo of centre back McKay, from Falkirk, and full back Paterson, from Hartlepool United, in January, and Tidser has been pleased with their efforts during their time at New Central Park.

Central Fife Times: Lewis O'Donnell has made 35 appearances this season.Lewis O'Donnell has made 35 appearances this season. (Image: David Wardle.)

"The loan boys have been great for me and have really stepped up to the plate, in terms of your Bavidge and O'Donnell obviously," he explained.

"Reuben, Brody and big Brad came in a wee bit later, and they've been great as well. As I say, the lads have been great, and hopefully they'll go back better players and learning from the experience they've had over the past season.

Central Fife Times: Brody Paterson in action for Kelty.Brody Paterson in action for Kelty. (Image: David Wardle.)

"Alfie's been a real standout for me, so has Lewis as well. Lewis has played 35 games which is a good feat for a young lad as well coming out on loan, but Bav's probably just shaded it because he's scored the goals, and really been a real leader in the group for being a kid.

"His enthusiasm for football is so infectious. He was frustrated on Saturday because he probably didn't have his best of games, but I said to him you're a young lad, this is what happens. You can't be great every week.

"He's been great for us but I could single out them all. They've all been great in different parts of the season and stepped up to the plate.

"Stef McCluskey's playing right back the last four, five games, never really played there in his career, but has been outstanding. That's what you need from your players, moreso your experienced ones, so I'm really pleased."