New skipper confident Pars can get job done

Lee Ashcroft has vowed to lead by example for Dunfermline against Dundee United this afternoon after insisting he learned from his experience as a raw youngster how to handle the captain’s armband.

Ashcroft has been handed the role following the departure of Callum Morris this summer and is determined to drive the Pars on to success following their play-off disappointment in May.

The burly defender turns 25 later this month but proved he was skipper material after being given the responsibility aged just 21 at Kilmarnock.

And now he is hopeful his team-mates will appreciate his leadership style as they bid to kick off the Championship campaign with a win at Tannadice.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be named the club captain. The gaffer pulled me in a couple of weeks ago to let me know and I was delighted.

“This is my third year at the club now and I’ve loved every minute of it. The fans have been great with me, the players, the staff, everybody about the club has been great so far.

“I was chuffed and it was a proud moment for myself and my family.

“I’ll do the best I can on and off the pitch. I’m honest and I always give 100% – and if I can help other boys along the way as I get older and more experienced then that’s what I’ll do.

“The boys have been great with me as well so far. I’ve loved it and hopefully we can have a good season and kick on and push for promotion.

“It was Gary Locke who made me captain at Kilmarnock. I was young, but I didn’t feel any different.

“I go out there and do my best and try to help boys as much as I can when I’m playing anyway.

“It’s nice to have that wee bit of experience of doing it before and we played some big games then as well, against some good teams.

“I always give 100% in training and in games and hopefully that will rub off on the boys.”

Meanwhile, Ashcroft insists Dunfermline will be able to cope with the friendly fire they face this afternoon.

The Pars will come up against familiar faces when they take on their top scorer from last season, Nicky Clark, and former Rangers winger Fraser Aird, who finished the campaign as the Fifers’ form player.

Both were wanted on new deals by manager Allan Johnston but instead opted to jump ship and defect to United.

But Ashcroft is convinced the East End Park men can prevail as they head into the league buoyed by four wins from four in the Betfred Cup.

He said: “We’ll respect them (Clark and Aird) but there are no mates in the game when you’re out on the pitch.

“It will be nice to see the boys again but when the whistle goes there are no pals until the end of the game.

“We know they’re good players but if we go out and play the way we can play then I’m sure we can handle it and get the result that’s needed.

“The confidence is running through the changing room and the new boys have settled in well.

“As you’ve seen on the pitch, we’ve started very well. We respect Dundee United but we know if we go up there and play the way we can we’ll get the job done.”

Picture: SNS. Lee Ashcroft was “chuffed” to be made Dunfermline captain.