McCann looks to older brother for progression

Lewis McCann is hopeful some friendly sibling rivalry can help bring him success with both Dunfermline and Northern Ireland.

The 18-year-old won his first two caps for the Irish under-21s this month and was joined in the squad by older brother Ali, the St Johnstone midfielder.

The duo have enjoyed impressive openings to the new season, with 19-year-old Ali now a regular in the Saints midfield and Lewis having featured in all but one of Dunfermline’s games this term.

The Pars striker’s form has been recognised at international level, with the teenager coming on as second-half substitute in the recent stalemate with Malta before starting the draw with Finland.

And he admits he is desperate to continue the feelgood factor at home.

He said: “Going away with Northern Ireland is a nice experience because it’s someone saying you’re doing well enough to be able to go away with them.

“It’s a confidence booster as well, mentally knowing you’re good enough to go away.

“My brother came away with us with Northern Ireland as well, which was great. He was called up the day before we left.

“It helped me come out of my shell a wee bit with the rest of the boys as well. Obviously I’m close with him, so it was nice to have him there.

“He’s had a good run of games and St Johnstone are starting to get a grip of what they want, I think.

“I was texting him after the game last weekend. He thought they deserved to win, and he’s doing well.”

McCann accepts things have to get better at club level.

The Pars go into this afternoon’s encounter with Partick Thistle rooted to the bottom of the Championship and desperately seeking their first league win of the campaign after last weekend’s last-gasp defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.

He added: “They’re just one place above us and that makes it a massive game.

“It’s only five games in, so there’s no panic but you don’t want to get too detached from the top of the table. We want to be up there competing.”