In-form Brechin City travel south to play League 1 leaders Stranraer on Saturday after moving into the play-off places at the weekend.
Midfielder Alan Trouten has been a key figure for Ray McKinnon’s men this season and is closing in on a century of goals across five different clubs. The 29-year-old is the latest player to fall under the SPFL Spotlight.
What is the best goal you have ever scored?
That was for Brechin against Rangers last season in a League 1 game at Glebe Park to put us 3-1 ahead, although we eventually lost 4-3. I scored it with a curling effort from the edge of the box, which is not like me as most of my goals come from close range or from penalties!
What is the best game you have played in?
That was the League Cup tie when Queen’s Park defeated Aberdeen on penalties. The game was played at Firhill as a concert was being held at Hampden and, after it had finished goalless, I scored the winning penalty. Our goalkeeper Mark Cairns had blasted a spot-kick home and I told Robert Dunn that I was going to cheekily ‘dink’ mine. He told me I was in trouble if I tried it as it was the decisive kick after Darren Mackie had missed. I didn’t do it but scored the winner anyway.
What is your favourite away ground?
I enjoyed Easter Road when I played there in a Scottish Cup tie with Ayr United and we held them to a draw before winning the replay. However, playing at Ibrox last season in front of a huge crowd at the start of the season was a bit special. I would like to have picked Hampden but I have never been there as an away team player - the only time I have faced Queen’s Park was as a Clyde player at Broadwood just a few months after I left.
What is your favourite other sport?
I like watching golf but not playing it. Golf is my handicap and that is all I will say!
Which player in the world would you like to have played with?
Easy question – Lionel Messi. Even though Cristiano Ronaldo was voted ahead of him this week in the Ballon d’Or it is Messi every time for me.
What is your favourite pre-match meal?
I have had a couple of favourites over the years - either poached eggs with beans on toast or chicken with pasta. At the moment I am back on the poached eggs!
What is your favourite music?
I am not a big music fan and will listen to whatever is on in the dressing room. I am not as fussy as some of the boys like Callum Tapping and Darren McCormack who are big into their music. Big Gerry McLauchlan puts some on good stuff - it is different from the normal footballers’ music and it is much more chilled out than the way Gerry plays!
Who is the biggest moaner that you have played with?
Ally Graham, when I was starting out my career at Queen’s Park! The ball had to be straight to his feet or he would let you know about it! A great guy but Ally did not like it if you were the slightest bit inaccurate.
Who has been your most skilful team-mate?
Paul Cairney at Queen’s Park. The rest of us were working during the day but he would just go and play football anywhere to practice his skills – well that is after he had a long lie! Paul went to Partick Thistle and then looked to be doing well at Hibs but is now looking to get established at Kilmarnock.
Who was your worst dressed team-mate?
Big Damiano Agostini at Queen’s Park - he had a wardrobe where everything was denim. He would come into Lesser Hampden looking like something from the Shawshank Redemption as he was top to toe in denim. A great big bloke who never scored in nearly two hundred games and I blame the denim!
Who is the best trainer you have played with?
Stuart Kettlewell trained the way he played, which was full on. He would push Paul Paton and Paul would respond by pushing himself harder - the two of them were right up for training hard.
And the best dancer?
That has to be Paul Cairney again – not only the best but the first to dance as well. Daft as a brush is the best expression for him on the dance floor!
Craig Stewart
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