Hard work is the key to flying start

Elgin City manager Gavin Price feels midfielder Russell Dingwall is profiting from his hard work during pre-season.

Dingwall has made a flying start to the new campaign with three goals in the opening three matches, including a double in Saturday’s 4-1 opening day League Two victory at Stranraer.

Following the departure of talismanic forward Shane Sutherland to Caley Thistle in the summer, Price has set his midfielders the aim of chipping in with more goals this term.

Price feels Dingwall’s return has been the result of the former Ross County player’s dedication in the build-up to the new campaign.

Price said: “It’s good to see Russell getting the rewards, which is because of the work he has personally put in over the summer.

“He has really worked hard at his game and his fitness. You get out what you put in with football, and he’s certainly getting the rewards. He has been excellent right through pre-season.

“We need goals from midfield this season. It’s a different dynamic this year with Shane not being there.

“Through pre-season we have created numerous opportunities in all the games including against Inverness.

“I was confident in that aspect with how we were playing. We are looking like we have picked up from last season.”

Along with El gin’ s attacking flair, Price has also been pleased with his side’s defensive strength in the opening three competitive matches.

City conceded their first goal of the season at Stranraer on Saturday, following 2-0 victories over Stirling Albion and League One side Montrose in the Betfred Cup.

Although Price is not getting carried away, he feels the start can give the Black and Whites confidence ahead of Saturday’s visit of Brechin City, who suffered a 5-1 reverse at home to Edinburgh City last weekend.

Price added: “I’m also glad with how the defensive side has gone.

“We lost seven goals against Inverness in one of the games and that was a wake- up call to sort out that side of it.

“The back four and goalkeeper h av e been excellent since then.

“The result was fantastic, but it’s one game and the challenge is to keep taking each game as it comes and hopefully keep building on our start against Brechin.

“Beware of the wounded dog. I expect them to try to prove a point on Saturday.

“We’ve got to be up to that battle. If we want the game more than the opposition, we believe we’ve got the quality in the side that will win the game.

“We’ve got to be up to face the challenge that Brechin will undoubtedly give us on Saturday, which we will be prepared for.”

Dingwall could be reunited with his older brother Tony, who has been offered a deal by Price after training with the Borough Briggs side in recent weeks.

Although Price is keen to add the 26- year- old, who left Raith Rovers at the end of last season, the Elgin boss is mindful of the finances at the Moray outfit’s disposal.

He added: “I am pleased with the squad we’ve got, but if possible we would like to strengthen.

“Tony is obviously a quality player who would improve us, but it’s whether or not we can reach an agreement.

“We ’ v e got certain budgets and they are there for a reason in these times, so we can’t go outwith that.”

SPOT ON: Elgin midfielder Russell Dingwall, second from right, celebrates scoring a penalty against Stirling Albion.