Whittle eyes first-team spot

Dunfermline youngster Alex Whittle is determined to keep working hard in a bid to nail down a regular first-team place.

The 19-year-old midfielder was manager Jim Jefferies' first signing as he rebuilt his squad following relegation to the First Division. The former England Under-16 international signed a three-year deal in April. Whittle has struggled to make an impact for the high-flying Pars during the early part of the season, making just three starts. However, he is not giving up hope of making a name for himself at East End Park. "If I can keep playing well, I will get my chance. I just have to be patient because the team is doing really well now and it will be hard to change the starting 11 while they are doing well," the Liverpool youth product told the club's official website. "I am only 19 so it's good to get any game time at the moment."