Jam Tart can sweeten up Pars’ season, insists gaffer

Stevie Crawford has backed Hearts youngster Harry Cochrane to help kickstart Dunfermline’s season – and his own career.

The 18-year-old, pictured, joined the Pars on a seasonlong loan last month and made his debut as a second-half substitute in the recent 1-0 defeat to Arbroath.

The midfielder has found first-team chances difficult to come by at Tynecastle since making such an eye-catching impression in his breakthrough season two years ago.

But Crawford, who first got to know the player when he was assistant-manager at Hearts before leaving for MK Dons in December 2016, believes Cochrane can make an impact with the Fifers after playing for the Jambos colts in their 3-1 defeat to Waterford in the Challenge Cup last Friday.

He said: “Harry was disappointed with the result when he was away with Hearts. He said it was men against boys in the first half; those were his words, not mine.

“They changed the shape and competed better in the second half.

“He has come through that unscathed and has trained with us this week.

“Harry has got quality and he’s desperate to kickstart his career, but also to do well for Dunfermline.”

Crawford is also convinced on-loan Kilmarnock attacker Greg Kiltie can prove influential this season.

The 22-year-old has penned a season-loan agreement and netted on his debut in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Alloa.

Crawford said: “Looking back at the Alloa game, Greg Kiltie coming in for his first start took his goal well.

“You could see the quality in him. He’s got an awareness of people round about him and it’s about trying to get the ball into him so he can produce that on a more regular basis.

“But because of results it becomes a more competitive market in terms of getting that starting place, because we know we need to start turning games around and start winning games of football.”