The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
McIntosh says spell in Iceland paying off
Leighton McIntosh is fired up to turn the heat on Scottish League One defences after returning from a spell in the cold of Iceland.
McIntosh netted twice on his Arbroath debut after coming off the bench, adding to Mark Whatley’s deflected opener in a 3-0 Scottish Cup win over Berwick Rangers.
Having just returned from his stint at Icelandic side UMF Selfoss, McIntosh believes he has come back a better player.
Icelandic football is on a meteoric rise after the investment in more than 100 4G pitches and 800 A and B Licensed coaches to serve their 330,000 population.
They are the smallest nation to reach next summer’s World Cup, having made a stunning impact at Euro 2016, and McIntosh hopes to reap the benefits of their rising fortunes.
“Playing in Iceland has made me a better player,” he said.
“I’ve been training full-time and the set-up over there is so professional.
“They do a lot of things right. They have great facilities, they have sports science coaches and they make sure your diet is right.
“It’s been a real culture change for me, and a lot of things are very expensive.
“You won’t get change out of £8 for a beer anywhere and food is expensive, but it’s just given me a good excuse not to drink.
“They’ve definitely got the right approach to football, and it’s easy to see why they are doing so well at international level.”
McIntosh made an instant impact after coming off the bench for the injured Thomas O’Brien.
With Arbroath already 1-0 up, thanks to Mark Whatley’s deflected 10-yard drive, McIntosh scored straight away.
He played a one-two with Ryan McCord and crashed a low 10-yard drive in off the post.
McIntosh doubled his tally in the second half after he latched on to a Bobby Linn through ball to drill home from 15 yards.
He could easily have had a hattrick but found Berwick keeper Robby McCrorie in fine form to keep the scoreline respectable.
Meanwhile, Arbroath manager Dick Campbell insists summer signing Blair Yule has been a real find.
Yule has shone since his arrival from Cove Rangers and was again outstanding against Berwick.
Campbell said: “We gave Blair a two-year deal in the summer and could easily get him another two years on top of that.
“He’s been brilliant. He’s so composed and looks confident and comfortable no matter where I play him.”