STUART MCLAREN admitted he had a lot to be happy about after watching Stirling Albion lift the Supporters Direct Cup with a courageous win over Hearts.

His Binos side showed all their character, coming back from 1-0 down to claim a fine 2-1 victory at Forthbank.

McLaren has made six summer signings and the early signs are highly-encouraging ahead of Stirling’s bid for the League Two title following the pain of relegation.

Hearts, fielding a young side, took the lead through former Alloa kid Russell McLean before a Sean Dickson penalty and a strike from substitute Salim Kouider stunned Hearts army of fans who had turned up in their numbers.

McLaren is not one to get carried away but he emerged from the victory with the look of a contented man.

He said : “The bounce games we have played have been in a similar vein. We have deliberately chosen some good opposition because that is the sort of standard we expect the team to play at.

“The challenge is to give a good account of ourselves against these teams which we are happy and satisfied that they have done so far.

“It will stand us in good stead for when the league programme kicks off.

“To come away with a win is an extra wee shot in the arm and the players will take some confidence from that.

“Had we lost the game 2-1 I would probably have been just as pleased because it’s all about performance.

“There were times, which you would expect against a good Hearts team, that they had us chasing the ball about and that helps with the boys condition.

“There are lots of positives.

“In the last quarter of the game I felt we really came back into it because early in the second half we got stretched and pulled apart a little bit.

“But we brought on a couple of the young boys Connor McKenzie and Sam Davidson - who won the penalty - and they looked like they could cause a wee threat.

“We have a really promising crop.” Trialist Kouider’s deciding strike could earn him a move to Stirling.

McLaren revealed the former Stenhousemuir and Queen of the South youngster has given him further food for thought in terms of further bolstering his squad for the rigours ahead.

McLaren said : “Salim has been terrific in terms of his effort, application and dedication since he has come in.

“I have been really impressed with him and I’m pleased he got his reward with the goal as well.

“That is what strikers thrive on ultimately.

“He is someone who plays in quite a mature fashion and is a competent finisher for someone who has only just turned 19.

“We will give a good chat with him because up until now everything he has done has been very positive.

“He has certainly done himself plenty of favours.” Stirling play host to Oldham on Friday and McLaren, along with the fans, will be delighted if his men can serve up more of the same.