The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Pars star says Smith has ‘bags of potential’
Youngster hailed after making big impression in his first senior start
Dunfermline star Declan McManus reckons teenage strike-partner Callum Smith is destined for a “big future” after a dazzling display against Hearts.
The 17-year-old, who came through the Fife Elite Football Academy, was a stand-out against the Jambos on Saturday, tormenting a back-line which included Scotland stalwart Christophe Berra and teeing up McManus to make it 2-1 early in the second period.
It was Smith’s first senior start and he ensured the absence of Nicky Clark – out for five weeks following ankle surgery – was not too keenly felt.
Pars boss Allan Johnston said “there will be a lot of teams looking at him” if Smith continues to progress at his current rate, and McManus agrees.
“Nicky is a big loss but I think Callum Smith showed that he has bags of potential,” said McManus.
“The game against Hearts was his first start and he was outstanding. He was up against international defenders and did not give them a minute of peace.
“For my goal, he did brilliantly on the flank and was really unselfish to play it across to me. He’s quick, strong, is a decent size and, importantly for a striker, he can finish when he gets an opportunity.
“We see him every day in training, but now the fans and everyone else watching can see that he has a big future.
“I enjoy playing in attack with him, I’m sure Nicky does as well, and if he keeps performing like that then I’m sure he will get plenty more chances.”
Meanwhile, Johnston said the club’s forays into the transfer market are far from over.
Dunfermline have enjoyed a superb start to the season, claiming top-spot in their Betfred Cup group and scoring 13 goals in four fixtures to ensure they head into their Championship opener against Livingston this weekend on a high.
However, Johnston is under no illusions that his squad requires bolstering before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.
“We’re still short and pretty thin on the ground in terms of numbers,” he added. “We are still to add two or three players, at least, and hopefully those will be players who can improve us further.
“But that’s the hard part - we’ve been trying to do that for the last month!”