Hopkirk`s striking impact

"I think the gaffer prefers me up front so we will see how that goes.

David Hopkirk was glad to get back on the park after suffering a frustrating pre season. Last season he was substituted fairly regularly as his back objected to him continuing, then this season after returning in the U20s friendly against Civil Service Strollers on 8th July he found it hard to run because of his back injury and maybe as a consequence he suffered a hamstring injury in a closed doors game against Hamilton.

So to come on in the Pars first Championship match was a real joy to the 23 year old striker. He told the website:-

"I am alright now. The gaffer just told me to rest it and take it easy to get myself right. I was doing a lot of extra stuff working on my hamstring and my back. Kenny Murray has helped me a lot."

The substitute scored almost immediately and just as well given the leaky end to the game:-

"Sandy Clark had a timer on me. He said that I had ten minutes to score and I did it within two I think."

David`s 81st minute goal was the Pars fourth and in the end was incredibly important, he described it:-

"I just had piles of energy, I was raring to go and the ball dropped to me. I think he hit it off me and it was a tussle for the ball and I won it. I tried to do the same with the second chance but the keeper saved it."

David made 35 appearances last season but started only ten times. His dramatic initial impact did not surprise him since he claimed the Championship suited his style of play:-

"You are playing better teams and there is more space to run in behind them. I think the gaffer prefers me up front so we will see how that goes. I am happy playing anywhere but I should really just concentrate on one.

"Last year I was right wing, left wing, upfront and last year they did well. I know I couldn`t get in the team at the start of last season because the team was winning."

Hoppy who was signed by John Potter from Annan Athletic in January last year is well aware that the manager has said that he is looking for another striker. He is keen to fulfil that role this season:-

"It is good to have competition. I will keep myself fit, the gaffer has given me a two year deal and I am just going to go and try and win.

"The gaffer has given me a two year deal. I didn`t expect that, I expected a deal because I do well in training but I want to concentrate on my football now and nothing else.

"I am just glad to be back involved with the boys, when you are injured you are just with the young boys,

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