FAR-flung outposts such as Portsmouth and Barrow-in-Furness hadn't even registered on Brian Heron's radar at the start of last season.

But the hard-working Maryhill boss has had his fill of them after a season in which the Lochburn Park side battled relegation from the off.

These were just two of the destinations that some of his players were sent to for work reasons, which left the former Port Glasgow gaffer often struggling to field his top team.

But you won't find Heron moaning about it, because he knows he wasn't the only manager unable to field his first XI on occasions throughout the season.

However, the 53-year-old boss has decided something has to give, and he will address the issue with the players when they return for training on Wednesday night.

He said: "Perhaps one or two of our senior players have a decision to make - and that's whether or not to keep on playing and committing to the team.

"It's difficult for both parties because you can't be in two places at once. It might be that I go down the route of getting a few more young guys in, and seeing where their commitment takes us," Heron added.

Of the three teams who were promoted from the Central District Second Division at the end of season 2012/13, only Maryhill survived the drop, with Johnstone Burgh and second division champions, Cambuslang Rangers, failing to avoid relegation.

Heron reckons that was quite an achievement, given the lack of consistency in selection choices throughout the campaign.

He said: "You normally find that the successful teams are those who are able to choose their top players week in, week out.

"I know we're far from the only team who had that problem during the season, but it definitely makes it harder when you're changing personnel most weeks.

"But players have full-time jobs and that must come first, although I dread the phone going on a Sunday night, especially when I'm told that so-and-so is off to Portsmouth and someone else is being sent to Barrow- in-Furness!

"But I still think we did okay last season and I would say we're definitely heading in the right direction.

"Johnstone Burgh and Cambuslang didn't have their problems to seek and I suppose that showed with both being relegated."

Elsewhere, former Arthurlie and St Mirren pro youth, Scott Rodgers, is on the lookout for a club. The right-back can be contacted on 07855 975613.

Another full-back searching for a club is 23-year-old Italian Marco Radici. The defender recently moved to Glasgow and can be contacted on 07841 073679.