SUNDAY BEST PLEASES ALEX

Following yesterday's 2-1 victory over Hibernian, Manager Alex Smith expressed today his delight with both the result and the overall performance of his team. Again, he was particularly impressed with the contribution of the latest first team newcomers, declaring: "Apart from having gained three most welcome points, it was very satisfying to have introduced right from the start another promising prospect in 18-year-old Stephen O'Donnell, a player who will become a fans' favourite once he establishes himself. He is a good passer of the ball and an excellent crosser. He is quite at ease playing on either the wide side of the park or in central midfield, which is a great asset for any player in today's football. He is also very quick.. We further had the privilege of watching young Stuart Duff in his fifth full SPL game. Barring any injuries, he stands every chance of playing in the four remaining matches this season providing him a fair bit of match experience on this level. And I am sure we will see much more of Stuart next season."

Contemplating the current opportunity for initiating young players to a higher level, Smith asserted: "It is indeed a great luxury in this league to be able to blood players without the constant fear of relegation, which can only be good for the development of the game. It is also crucially important for our young lads to be guided by players such as Lauchlan and Lilley, who were both outstanding yesterday, as well as by Charlie Miller who, on this present form, is one of the most skillful players in Scotland."