What do you make of Connor (Fairley)’s recent performances?

I think he’s been playing well.  I know we’ve been conceding lots of goals but it would be a lot more if not for him.  He’s made some world class saves so I’ve got no complaints for not playing at the minute.

Would you say there’s more competition between goalkeepers for a place in the team?

Definitely, Connor’s a good goalkeeper and Andy (Duncan) is still learning.  There’s a great competitiveness about it because the training sessions are a lot better and you’re trying to impress more.  I suppose it’s just like every position in the team with quality players so it helps, but it is frustrating when you’re not playing

You’ve had injury problems so far this season...

It’s been my worst season ever for injuries I’d say.  I did have one serious injury which kept me out for a full season but this has been the worst in a while.

Does this hamper you getting a run of form?

I think I was getting into a bit of form when I did get injured.  We were unbeaten in a couple of games: drew with Stirling and beat Stenhousemuir, and that was the game I got injured in so it was unfortunate.

You were in goals for the 4-0 win over Rovers and Connor was in goals in the 7-2 game; do you think that game affected him in any way?

I don’t know.  Maybe he thought it was going to be easy because we beat them at our place and went in with the wrong attitude.  It was a hard game to play in because it was a bad pitch in bad conditions.  Obviously he made a couple of mistakes but the week before he was outstanding against Dumbarton.  He made a couple of good saves despite the mistakes.

What do you predict will happen next time against Albion Rovers?

It won’t be anything like last time, I can guarantee.  The players won’t let it and the manager won’t let it.  We owe the fans for it so hopefully.  It’ll be a tight affair; in the Boxing Day game (against Forfar) it’ll be the odd goal that separates us – might be 1-0 or 2-1.  We want to even the score up for the fans because they were hurting afterwards.  It is a local derby after all.

What are your plans over the festive period?

I’ll be here over Christmas trying to get back into the team.  I was home last month for a wee while, but I’d like to go back home in January some time because my sister’s expecting a baby.  I’ve still got work commitments though – working in Tesco in Coatbridge.

Did you get stick from many Albion Rovers fans after the 7-2 game?

I got the odd couple coming in, but since I wasn’t playing I don’t think they really noticed me!

Interview by Douglas Barrie. Read part two after the Albion Rovers game on January 2nd 2012.