Former boss hails Bates as ‘inspiration’

Ray McKinnon insists David Bates should be an ‘inspiration’ to any aspiring footballer after hailing the tireless work ethic that transformed him from a scrawny Kirkcaldy kid to the full Scotland squad.

McKinnon handed a raw Bates his Raith Rovers debut during his season at the helm at Stark’s Park and, such was the impact the promising stopper made, Rangers swooped to sign him after just nine outings for the Fifers.

An initial loan move was made permanent in the summer of 2017 and, after just one campaign with the Gers, Bates’ remarkable career path continued with a switch to Hamburg.

The progress of the 22-year-old, called up for the Nations League clashes against Albania and Israel, has delighted McKinnon, who is adamant Bates is among the most dedicated professionals he has worked with in his three decades in the game.

“I was so delighted for David when I heard,” beamed the Falkirk boss. “It’s such a feather in his cap and he has earned it.

“I used to go and watch him do hour after hour in the gym. He completely transformed his body at Raith from the skinny wee laddie I first saw to a man-mountain.

“Everything he has achieved to date is through sheer hard work, professionalism and desire. David’s attitude is second to none in all my time in football.

“For any young kid coming through in Scotland, David Bates should be an inspiration.

“Of course, he is a talented footballer, but he has an unbelievable work ethic and desire.

“That is how you give yourself the best opportunity to be a footballer. He has grasped that with both hands.”

Bates has also displayed the mental strength to handle every daunting step he has faced in the three and a half years since his SPFL debut for East Stirling against Berwick, while on loan from Raith.

He has made 11 appearances for Hamburg this season as they seek to bounce back to the top-flight after being relegated for the first time in their history.

Dubbed the ‘Ginger Ramos’ at his new club, Bates is already a cult favourite.

“His rise to prominence has been meteoric and it seems like with every move, he embraces the challenge and meets it,” added McKinnon.

“Hopefully getting into the Scotland team is just the next step.”

David Bates: hard work and desire.