Duo eye promotion push after extending Swifts stay

St Johnstone’s rising star Ali McCann has been shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writers’ Association young player of the year.

The 20-year-old burst onto the Scottish Premiership scene where, despite it being his breakthrough season, he featured in every one of the Perth club’s league games.

Also nominated for young player of the year are Aberdeen’s Lewis Ferguson, Hearts’ Aaron Hickey and Motherwell’s Allan Campbell.

Fellow team-mate Murray Davidson was not surprised to hear McCann had been nominated and said the recognition is thoroughly deserved.

“You saw from day one of pre-season that his loan spell had worked for him as he was stronger and fitter,” Davidson explained.

“The gaffer put him in against Celtic and he just

Jeanfield Swifts are continuing to retain the services of key personnel as planning for football’s return steps up a notch.

The latest pair to commit their futures to the Riverside are central defender Jake Dolzanski and forward Mark Smith.

Both have extended their stay by a year and Dolzanski, who moved to the club from Luncarty, admits it was a no-brainer to remain with Swifts.

“I’ve really enjoyed my first season with the Swifts,”said Dolzanski.

“It’s been a great move for me playing in a very competitive league against some quality sides, which has definitely improved me as a player.

“Once again I’m sure next season will be very competitive.

“I’m more than confident we will be up there challenging as there is certainly enough quality within the squad.

“We showed last year on our day we can beat anyone. If we can sort out our consistency I’m sure we will be in with a shout come the end of the season.”

Smith endured a frustrating season at Swifts after breaking his arm just when he was picking up momentum.

He was delighted to sign on and is making sure fitness levels are in check in order to hit the ground running when the East of Scotland League action makes a return.

“It was going well until I had my bad arm break, which put me out for about three months,”he said.

“I was just getting back into it and then the season came to a stop with the COVID-19 outbreak.

“It was a horrible injury to pick up when things were going well and I was gutted, especially after just signing that season.

“The club was good and supported me a lot through a tough time and, even though I wasn’t playing, the players and coaches still made me feel part of it all.”

Smith added:“I’ve been doing a lot of running and cycling so far during lockdown.

“A lot of us have been putting the runs into the group chat as well which is keeping us motivated and adds a little bit of competitiveness.

“We have all been given workouts from the coaching staff to do as well. As a key worker, I’ve still been out working as normal which keeps the mind busy as well.”

Smith, like Dolzanski, sees no reason why Swifts cannot be challenging at the top of the East of Scotland Premier Division.

He said:“It’s a good team spirit within the dressing room with a wealth of experience.

“We have a dedicated and motivated coaching staff, which is a big boost.

“If we continue to play the way we finished off last season we will have a good chance.”