Millen happy to be doing his bit

Ross Millen's goal on Tuesday night, his third for the first team, was his first from open play.

It was a special effort that rocketed into the top right corner of the net.

"I just brought the ball down and tried to connect with the ball right. It felt good when I kicked the ball, it was a clean strike and thankfully it went in.

"I was happy just to be playing and to do my bit. We got a clean sheet that is the most important thing and I scored as well so it was a bonus. The next round is against Falkirk which is another great game. We played well and kept the ball well."

4230 fans witnessed Ross's strike just eight minutes from full time and he praised the East End Park faithful:-

"The atmosphere was great and we have always got a good support when derbies come around. They brought quite a few as well so it made a great atmosphere for the full 90 minutes."

As well as being a good result, it was a good performance as well against a team from a higher league and that is something that the team can feed on, the teenager continued:-

"I think it all depends on how we start, as long as we start right we know that we are going to be in the game for the full 90 minutes. We started well and kept the tempo up. I think they tired a wee touch in the second half and I think we dominated the game as such for the full 90 really."

Ross believed that his team have every right to dominate the game even though Raith Rovers were the cup holders and will contest the season in the division above Athletic.

"We should dominate games when we are at home. We deserved to get through but the most important thing remains the league. It will be a tough game against Brechin on Saturday. They are always tough opponents and we need to get as high up the table as possible and stay there."

The Pars are odds on favourites to win the league with the bookies and Ross was not to be deterred as a result of expectations:-

"If you can't deal with pressure, you are in the wrong business. We are full time so we should be up there anyway."

As for starting on Saturday Ross hopes to have done enough to retain his starting position. Ryan Williamson is pushing him hard for the number two shirt. Whether or not he starts, all Ross would add was:-

"You will need to ask the gaffer that but as long as I put a performance in I am happy with whatever I do. I think put in a performance against Raith and I am confident enough that if I go on the pitch that I can do my bit."