Berwick’s Andy Russell has revealed his delight at getting a run in the first team and hopes his recent goals can help him cement a place in the starting XI as the season continues.
The 21-year-old striker, who was one of manager Colin Cameron’s first signings back in January, followed up his goal against Montrose in midweek with a fine 20-yard strike on Saturday, while he also set up Paul Willis’ effort midway through the second half.
And with goals in consecutive games, Russell is hopeful that he can now kick off after being troubled by injury in the early stages of the season.
Speaking after Saturday’s 4-0 win over Clyde, he said: “I’m delighted. It’s been pretty hard this season so far with injuries and stuff but I’ve worked hard to get myself back into the team so it’s important now that I can stay there.
“The gaffer spoke to me before the game and told me to pick up where I left off on Tuesday night and I hope I’ve taken my chance now and look towards catching Daz (Lavery)! I think that formation suits me as well because I can run the channels and give the boys an out ball.”
Manager Cameron was also full of praise for his striker, adding: “He’s shown the right temperament, the right attitude and the determination and I’ve said to everybody at the club that when they get their opportunity it’s up to them to play well and if they do then they’ll stay in the team.”
Russell has his own personal goal target for the season, which he will be hoping to add to against Albion Rovers in a Scottish Cup replay on Tuesday, where the winners face Lowland League champions Spartans.
However, the striker admits that he and his team-mates haven’t given the Edinburgh-based side and a potential place in the quarter-finals a moment’s thought.
He said: “I’d like to get into double figures as quick as I can and anything else from there isn’t a bonus but you take it from there. After Tuesday’s game at Montrose, and the way we got beat, it was important we had a game soon after to get us back winning again and we go into this Tuesday’s game with confidence from the clean sheet and four goals.
“It’s a chance to get into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup but, in the changing room, none of the boys have given Spartans a thought just now and our focus is on beating Albion Rovers first and foremost. We’ve had three hard games against them already this season but I think we’ve definitely got what it takes to go there and get the win.”
Martin Inglis
