Ferrie ‘numb’ for Dee debut

row. The draw was against Celtic and that should have been a win because we got one chalked off in the 93rd minute.

“We’re taking it game by game and we’ll see what happens by the end of the season. Hopefully, we can catch Hibs by the end.”

What’s more important, though — and 19-year-old Ferrie is all too aware of it — is the team produces players with the ability to step up to first-team level. That’s been shown throughout the campaign with youngsters Jack Lambert, Matty Henvey and Jordan Piggott, among others, stepping up to make their full debuts.

Ferrie then got his own chance last weekend, coming off the bench to replace the injured Elliott Parish at Ibrox.

“The most important thing is, because it is development football, to see how many of the 20s squad have pushed on and made an impact with the first team.

“Even if it is just half-an-hour here or 40 minutes there, getting your debut is important and it shows the gaffer has faith in the youngsters to bring them in.

“That’s brilliant for a young player because a lot might not get a chance at other clubs. It helps because you can see there’s a direct route and you just have to play well, get the head down — the boys have been brilliant really.” just nice to feel like it’s been worth it and now I just want to push on.

“Hopefully, this can be a catalyst to get more games.

“Since Christmas, I’ve found an extra gear which I didn’t know I had and in training I’ve pushed myself to the limit and have been trying to get back on the bench.

“When you feel close to the first team, subconsciously you think ‘I can see myself playing in this team, I can see a chance’.

“When you’ve worked for something like that from six-years-old, it’s natural when you get to the precipice you want to give that extra to push yourself over the edge and get in that team.”

With his current deal at the club running out this summer, Ferrie will be doing everything he can to earn himself a new contract.

He revealed the encouragement he’s got from manager Neil McCann has given him the confidence to be able to do just that.

He added: “One of the biggest things for a goalkeeper is trust from the manager.

“To have someone who has the faith in me and willing to put me on in a game like at Rangers in front of 49,000 people — it’s great.

“It’s a good confidence booster fo r yo u rs e l f because you want to do well and, when someone believes in you, it gives confidence and pushes you on.”

after the recent Premiership game at Ibrox. The young keeper is hoping other Development players will get their big chance, too. An injury to first-choice keeper Elliott Parish (above) led to Ferrie’s first senior game between the sticks. YOUNG Dundee...