Stirling Albion star Lewis McLear says the Binos are aiming high as they look to bounce back to League One at the first attempt.

The midfielder, who has joined on loan from St Mirren for the rest of the campaign, is hoping a successful spell can catch the eye of Buddies boss Alex Rae and help him force his way into the first-team picture at the Paisley 2021 Stadium.

McLear told Stirling News Sport: “It's the first time I have been out on loan. I wanted to go out at the start of the season but Ian Murray didn't want me to at the time. It came to January and I knew Stirling Albion were wanting me again and I felt like it would be good to get out because with St Mirren bringing some players in, I knew I wasn't going to get in the team just now. I'm happy to come here and be able to get some games under my belt.

“Hopefully the manager is watching and has been impressed but there is plenty of time yet. I'm looking forward to the next couple of matches.”

The 19-year-old was happy with the way his side ground out a victory against a resilient Berwick Rangers side after they battled back from going a goal down in the early stages.

He said: “It was a good victory. Teams usually do a bit better when they go down to ten men. You get days where you just don't perform at your best but it is good to get the win.

“We got off to a shaky start and it was important that we got a goal back quickly. We went up the park and Ross was able to get his head on the corner. I didn't get a good view of the penalty myself. It was a tough one for the referee to call but we are not going to complain about it.

“There was a little bit of pressure on us having scored seven on Tuesday. It maybe didn't live up to people's expectations but we are very happy with the win.”

Saturday's victory meant the Binos climbed into the playoff places for the first time this season, and McLear reckons they can go even further and lift the League Two title come the end of the season.

He added: “We are looking to go on a really good run of wins now. We want to win every game and hopefully if we do that we can be serious contenders to finish top at the end of the season. Everyone in the changing room is really wanting to finish in that number one spot. It's a realistic target.”