Banks to go on the defensive

FORMER Dundee United attacker Scott Banks is determined to go on the defensive at Dunfermline to prove he can cut it in the Premier League.

The on-loan forward is better known for his attacking skills, his pace and trickery winning him a move from the Tangerines to Crystal Palace in January last year.

Footage of a trademark flick that flummoxed three opponents in last weekend’s win over Morton hit social media this week and won the youngster praise.

But the 19-year-old insists he is keen to highlight the less glamorous work he does as he bids to make the most of his loan spell before returning south to the Eagles in the summer.

“It’s something I’ve got in my game,” he said of his deft back-heel half-volley to team-mate Steven Whittaker.

“I enjoy playing football and those little moments are nice to be able to do.

“But the defensive work is something I’ve been trying to work on since, I think, under-17 level.

“It’s something I wasn’t good at in the past and it’s important for me I work hard for the team off the ball, as well as doing things on the ball.”

Dunfermline host Inverness this afternoon still sitting in second spot and Banks reckons the prospect of important games ahead, including the possibility of a tilt at promotion to the Premiership, can only be good for his development.

“I wouldn’t have the experience of playing in those pressure games if I was still in the Palace under-23s,” Banks added.

“So, it’s something exciting to be involved in and I’m glad I can do it here. Hopefully I can just keep playing in as many of these games as I can.”