Introducing Harry McGregor
Thursday, 17th Jul 2008A stalwart of last season's U19 team, the 17 year old found himself on a bigger stage on Wednesday night.
A first team debut against SPL opponents Hearts was just too good to be true for 17 year old Harry McGregor. Before the match the youngster from Cockburnspath in the Borders was handed the number 18 shirt and he was out warming up with the first team squad within minutes.
"I was very surprised but I was hopeful that I'd get a shout. I was told that I'd maybe get a chance. It was a good start for me and better for my chances to be ahead at half time."
Having sat on the bench only once before at the Queen of the South match at the end of last season, Harry was delighted when his moment came 14 minutes from the end. He replaced Scott Thomson and slotted into his familiar left back role with Austin McCann moving in to central defence alongside Scott Wilson.
"I was told just to do my usual, play my game and keep talking to keep everything right."
Harry started playing football in Haddington, moving to Hutcheson Vale before joining Dunfermline. He was almost ever present for the U19s last season and featured in several reserve games.
Little could he have predicted that at the age of 17 years 3 months and 15 days would he be playing in the first team for the first time. His sleep might have been severely limited on Tuesday night had he known he was to be pitched in to mark the 27 year old Deivivas Cesnauskis, a Lithuanian Internationalist with approaching 30 caps. Harry was still somewhat stunned by the evening's events but admitted after showering:-
"It was in the back of my mind. I have watched them in games but never ever thought I'd be playing against them."
One of seven Pars players aged 21 and under who finished the game with their combined efforts assuring the Fifers victory, Harry concluded:-
"I enjoyed it, it was brilliant. I had a few clearances and the goalkeeper helped us out with a few saves. I hope to build on that."
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