Loanee’s Kane and able as he moves up for Pars

Kane Ritchie-hosler is ready to make his mark at Dunfermline Athletic after impressing in a recent reserve match.

The attacker has had to be patient since his loan move from Rangers, who he keeps in regular contact with through loans manager Billy Kirkwood.

The 20-year-old moved to East End Park on transfer deadline day and has made three substitute appearances since.

Ritchie-hosler is hoping he has another chance to impress today in the Scottish Cup.

Ray Mckinnon recently took over at Station Park and will bring his Forfar Athletic side to East End Park.

“Any chance I am able to get on, I am trying to prove myself,” said Ritchie-hosler.

“I just need to get under the gaffer’s eye, I’ve enjoyed it and hopefully I can start to get more appearances.

“I’m just hoping to get minutes in and if I can prove myself again and show what I can do.”

Ritchie-hosler and fellow loanees Chris Mochrie and Sam Fisher have all been cleared by their parent clubs to play this weekend.

The Pars are hopeful Motherwell will confirm that Robbie Mahon can also take part against the Loons.

Ritchie-hosler missed the recent SPFL Trust Trophy match due to representing Rangers B in that competition.

He was given a chance in the recent Reserve Cup match at East Mains.

The former Manchester City youth was the standout as the young Pars ran out 2-0 winners.

“It was a good game against Hibs, I enjoyed it apart from getting fouled a couple of times,” he said. “It was good to get 90 into the legs and it was a good result as well.”

Boss James Mcpake has played a number of formations this season and Ritchie-hosler has the versatility to offer an option in many of them.

Whether it’s a narrow wide man in his 4-3-3, one of the two No 10s in a backthree system or slightly further back, the 20-yearold said he likes to take up central areas.

“I like playing inside in midfield but I like playing winger as well,” he said.

“I think inside the pitch is good for me. Anything for me but I do like midfield, I think midfield is a good position for me, No 8 or No 10. Last season I sometimes ended up playing right back! I have played in a few different positions, which is good for me.”

Meanwhile, Mcpake was able to offer advice to Paul Allan given his own previous injuries. The midfielder has been missing since August with a foot injury.

He appeared to be on the way back a few weeks ago but after a setback, and some discussion about the best way to recover, it was decided he would have surgery.

Pars assistant manager Dave Mackay revealed this week that Allan had gone under the knife and is expected to return to training in around six weeks.

Mcpake said the midfielder broke down during his recovery and the club wasn’t “quite happy” with the diagnosis.

After discussions involving the player, his family, club staff and the surgeon, it was decided an operation was the best solution.

The final decision always rested with Allan.

“We gave Paul the decision,” said Mcpake.

“I gave him my opinion, the medical staff gave him their opinion. I think we’re now in agreement surgery is the best thing for it.

“That was my view: go get it done. Then you know you’ve got six to eight weeks and you’re back playing and your foot is stronger.

“That’s where I think the injuries I’ve had help...but it had to be Paul’s call and Paul’s decision.”

OPPORTUNITY: Loanee Kane Ritchie-hosler has had to be patient since arriving at East End Park, but will get his chance to shine today in a cup tie.