Ashcroft gets armband for new season

Dunfermline manager Allan Johnston has revealed defender Lee Ashcroft will be his new captain for the season ahead.

The Pars needed a change of skipper after Callum Morris left this summer and subsequently joined Ross County.

Johnston believes Ashcroft, who captained former club Kilmarnock at 21, has all the attributes required for the armband role.

“Ashy is going to be the captain this season,” he said. “He’s been different class in the last couple of seasons since I brought him here. He was player of the season last season and I voted for him the year before as well.

“He’s ‘Mr Consistent’, he’s a leader and he’s got an old head on young shoulders. So, I think he fits the role perfectly.”

Meanwhile, Johnston has urged Dunfermline to rack up a fourth straight Betfred Cup victory to confirm their place in the knockout stages.

The Fifers followed up impressive wins over Peterhead and Dundee with a 7-1 thrashing of Brechin City on Wednesday night and Johnston is targeting a 100% record with another success at home to Stirling Albion tomorrow.

He added: “If you look at the performances since we’ve started playing the competitive games they have been really good.

“We’re scoring goals and not conceding many, so it looks really bright at the moment.

“We just want to get the job done this weekend and then it’s a good start to the season.

“Stirling are a good team and there are no easy games, but we’ve got competition in all areas of the squad and that should keep the players on their toes.”