The SPFL Spotlight moved to the south west of the country this week and captured Stranraer striker Craig Malcolm in its glare.
The former Raith Rovers youngster has returned to the Petrofac Training Cup semi-finalists for a second spell after a season with Ayr United. The sides meet at Somerset Park this weekend with Malcolm watching from the sidelines after being sent off against Dunfermline in the Blues’ last league outing.
What’s the best goal you have ever scored?
I was fortunate to score a couple of great goals in my first spell at Stranraer when we played Queen's Park at Hampden. The first one saw me work my way down the left wing and go past a couple of players before curling a shot into the far corner. That put us 1-0 up but unfortunately we lost 3-1. The second was a drive forward from midfield which was finished off with a low shot from 25 yards which put us 2-1 ahead in a game that finished 3-3. Scoring them at the National Stadium made it all the better - if pushed the first one was the best.
What’s the best game that you have played in?
Last season I was at Ayr and we played Partick Thistle in the League Cup at Firhill and we lost 2-1 but it was a great game as both sides just went for it. They were two up but we gave them a real fright in the last 10 minutes when we scored and then hit the post. However, the best one was a play-off semi-final first leg for Stranraer against Queen's Park in 2012 when we won 2-0. That was an enormous result as they had the better of us that season, beating us four times, so to get ahead in the play-off was a huge result. We went to Hampden and completed the job.
What is your favourite away ground?
Somerset Park was always a favourite before I played for Ayr, as there is always a good atmosphere there. I am kicking myself for being suspended this weekend.
What is your favourite other sport?
Golf, but I am nowhere near good enough to get a handicap! I am just getting back into it after a break but I have a long way to go to catch up with Frank McKeown and Chris 'Tiff' Aitken as they are really good players who practice all the time.
How much of the World Cup did you watch?
I watched the vast majority of the World Cup and I reckon it was the best competition I have seen. James Rodriguez was fantastic for Colombia but Holland’s Arjen Robben was the top man for me.
What is your favourite pre-match meal?
Everything we eat nowadays has to be approved by our Herbalife expert Frank McKeown! It is all chicken and pasta with vegetables now and I am not allowed what I used to enjoy, which was fish in batter.
Who is your favourite singer?
I am from the old school and I am a big fan of Oasis. We were allowed music full blast after beating Falkirk last Saturday after getting told to turn it down when we lost to Dunfermline the week before. Grant Gallagher is the DJ and he gives us a bit of everything.
Who is the biggest moaner at the club?
Everyone would probably say I am the biggest moaner but big Scott Robertson is worse than me! He has not had a go at me yet but he can lose the plot at the slightest thing.
Who does the best football tricks at Stranraer?
Stephen Stirling is the best although Anthony Marenghi comes close. The ability that Stephen has is frightening and he is getting fitter all the time after his leg break. What he can do with a ball is incredible and he will be some player once he reaches full fitness.
Who is the worst dressed at the club?
There are a few but Jackson Longridge wins it for the gear he wore at Ayr. He had a ridiculous pair of trainers there and I cannot get them out of my head. Sean Winter is another boy that needs to have a look at what he wears and big Marenghi is not much better!
Who is the best dancer?
Sean Winter by a mile. On the bus home he will be up dancing to anything and everything and he needs no invitation to get his shirt off. There is no competition for that award.
Craig Stewart
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