White will use his old rival as inspiration to hit top level at Motherwell

Jordan White will use former rival Lyndon Dykes as inspiration as he attempts to take his game to a new level at Motherwell.

The big striker used to go up against Scotland’s new hero when they were both in the Championship at Inverness Caley Thistle and Queen of the South respectively.

They’re both similar types and White believes he was as good as Dykes in Scottish football’s second tier.

So, as he looks to establish himself as Stephen Robinson’s first-choice hitman at Fir Park, he’s using the Aussie-born dangerman as an example of what can be achieved.

After a stellar season for the Lions, Dykes won a £ 2mil lion move to Queens Park Rangers in August then opened his account for adopted country Scotland with a goal against the Czech Republic.

White, gearing up to face Coleraine in the Europa League this midweek, said: “When I look at someone like Lyndon it makes me realise that there are still steps I can take in my career.

“I played against him in the same league and felt I did every bit as good as he did.

“Fair play to him, he has stepped up to the mark, came up to the top league last year and played really well. He’s a top player.

“We have similar styles and seeing what he has done gives me the belief that I can now go and do it.”

White has taken a long and winding road to get to Scotland’s top flight with stints in England, Ireland and Wales along the way.

But he has always believed his ability would get him to where he wants to be – and he’s determined to cement a place in Robinson’s side.

The 28- year- old said: “Getting to play in Europe is brilliant, given the journey I’ve been on to get here.

“I always felt I could get to this level. I’ve always had confidence in my ability. In fact, I probably feel I should have been here earlier. But sometimes in football, you make decisions or pick up wee injuries – you just have to work hard to get on the way back then.

“You can also progress too quickly. The journey I’ve been on so far has stood me in good stead. It has given me a lot of experience and goals.

“It’s my job to put that into Motherwell now – there’s definitely a chance to grab the centre-forward position here.”

Having seen off Glentoran in their last Europa League qualifying round, White expects a tougher test against Oran Kearney’s side af ter they knocked out Maribor. He said: “Coleraine’s result in the last round was an eye opener for us. Maribor is a name that’s been out there – they’ve caused the Old Firm problems in the past. “So that was a fantastic result and we aren’t going into this thinking it’ll be an easy game.

“But if we apply ourselves right, hopefully we can progress.”