Shields sets his targets

Connor Shields is hoping to have played his way into the Albion Rovers starting eleven after scoring a hat-trick against East Kilbride.

Shields came off the bench for Rovers to net a second half hat-trick and his first senior goals for the club, following up strikes from Alan Trouten and Gary Fisher in the opening five minutes that put Rovers in control.

Sean Winter and an own goal from Michael McMullin got Kilby on the scoresheet.

The 18-year-old forward was the star of the show after replacing Sean Higgins, and is now setting his targets on holding down a place in the Rovers first team.

He told the Advertiser:“It’s good to be more involved in the first team. I came through a bit last season under Darren Young, but mainly featured for Brian (Kerr) in the under-20’s.

“This time around and hopefully I can be a bit more involved.

“Brian (Kerr) has been really good with all the young boys and it makes it easier to make the transition into the first team.

“Training has been brilliant and it’s been good for me and the other boys that have came up through the under-20’s.

“After last season and with first-team pre-season behind me I’m hoping that I can start a few more games now.

“I’d love to start the games against Hamilton Accies and Queen of the South and test myself against teams from the higher leagues.

“I came off the bench against East Kilbride but I’m hoping I’ve played my way into the managers thoughts.”