Alex whittling away

"I just have to be patient because the team is doing really well now and it will be hard to change the starting eleven

Alex Whittle was Manager Jim Jefferies first signing as he set out to build a team for 2012-13 handing the former England under 16 internationalist a three year deal.. But after just three starts he knows that he will need to bide his time if he is to become a regular choice in the Dunfermline Athletic starting eleven:-

"Every game we seem to get better. We didn't play our best against Falkirk but we showed good team spirit to come back and get the draw in the last ten minutes. 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 eleven while they are doing well. I am only 19 so its good to get any game time at the moment."

That includes regular appearances in the under 20s league games where playing alongside Craig Dargo and under the watchful eye of coach John Potter enhances his chances of recommendations to the Manager.

Craig Dargo, Alex Whittle and Fayssal El Bakhtauoi

"When I play with the under 20s it is good to link up with Dargo; he tells you when to pass, when to run and he has got all the experience you need. The young lads learn off him when he is playing. He tells them when to press the ball and the lads listen to him. I like playing as a winger, preferably off the right but I do not mind playing on the left side."

Alex joined Liverpool's Academy when he was only six years old, spending 11 years at the Merseyside club before being released in 2011. Now he is delighted to have Sky Sports pundit, Neil McCann to coach him. The 37 year old had a successful career at Dundee, Hearts, Rangers and Southampton and made 26 appearances for Scotland. Neil is a player who played his football on the flanks and for Alex that is a great advantage. He added:-

"He is good with the young lads, he tells us to be more direct and he has been a good help to me."