IAIN FLANNIGAN insists that Alloa can compete in the second tier as the dust settles on their promotion to the Championship.

The midfielder believes a good summer of recruitment will help the Wasps go toe-to-toe with some big names next season.

And he reckons maintaining the team spirit and togetherness in the dressing room is vital to ensuring their success.

Flannigan told Advertiser Sport: “We are very confident. There will be a bit of rebuilding as there is every year. It’s disappointing to see some of the boys move on but it’s the case at a lot of clubs now.

“There will need to be a few additions but with the core group we’ve got, and with the right players coming in, we’ll have a strong squad. We are relishing the challenge, and by the time the season comes around we will be confident of holding our own.

“We need to add the right characters. During my time at the club that’s been so important. It’s really helped us get results. It’s good to get talent in but it’s also important how you interact within the group.

“We’ve always had a great dressing room and I think that translates to the fans. They can see there’s a real work ethic and togetherness.”

Flannigan and his team-mates clinched promotion after a stunning playoff win over Dumbarton, and a week on the midfielder is still enjoying the sweet taste of victory.

He said: “Last Sunday was amazing. We were the better side over the two games but in playoff games that doesn’t always translate. We were so close to not doing it but to get the goal in the 93rd minute made it that bit sweeter.

“Once the final whistle went it was brilliant. It was such a good feeling.”

The former Partick Thistle star wasted no time in signing up for another season at the Indodrill Stadium, and revealed he has loved every minute of his time in the Wee County.

Flannigan added: “I was always keen to stay because I’ve loved my time at the club. Hopefully there are a lot more to come.

"I wanted to stay regardless of what division we were in but the fact we have gone up makes it that bit more exciting. When the gaffer offered me another year I was really keen to get it tied up.”