Kane gives Forfar both barrels

Ritchie-Holser - “It was inviting to hit. I got a good connection on it and I’m just happy that it went in.

On loan Rangers player Kane Ritchie-Hosler has had to wait eight weeks for his first Dunfermline start but after a performance full of energy and creativity it is likely that there will soon be many more. The 20 year old who is a product of the Manchester City Academy made a memorable impression and scored his first senior goal in Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Forfar Athletic. He described his emotions after the game:-

“It was great obviously to get my first start. I have had to be patient and I think I did well. I am buzzing, you could see that from my reaction but with all the fans and everything it was great.

“It is a great team to be in and I think we moved the ball really well throughout the whole game. At the start it was a bit tight but once we got the first goal I think it started to open things up.”

Kane revealed that manager James McPake’s pre match instructions to him was just to express himself, he told him:-

“Be positive, try and link up and get in the pockets and things like that. Just try and play like I have been training. It is great just to be able to do what I have been doing in training and when I come on I just want to be as creative as possible and try and have an impact on the team.”

Kane’s goal was Dunfermline’s second of the afternoon and it came in 33 minutes after Josh Edwards had launched one of his trademark throw-ins deep into the Forfar box. Sam Fisher and Rhys Breen challenged for the ball but as it turned out the ball sat up nicely for Kane to finish:-

“I wasn’t too sure because I think Breeny flicked it on. I didn’t know if he was going to get to it but he left it and it was inviting to hit. I got a good connection on it and I’m just happy that it went in. I got a couple for Rangers B but to get my first senior goal, I’m so happy. Obviously I want to continue that.”

The match only lasted 53 minutes for Kane since he had to be withdrawn for safety’s sake after his ankle had stiffened up following a first half knock.

“I was really annoyed coming off but you don’t want to risk anything. I still felt it from the first half and wanted to see how it would carry on into the second. I felt it so it was a precaution to come off and try and be ready for next week.”

Although Kane had a couple of friends watching him, his parents had relied on Sky Sports updates to hear of their son’s success, however the young loanee went off to a standing ovation from the home fans which pumped up his emotions:-

“The fans were amazing and have been since I have been here. Every time I have come on they have been really supportive and I’m loving it and will try to kick on for the next one.”

Hoping that Saturday is the start of a run of games Kane added:-

“Whenever I am able to come in I just want to prove myself and do my best for the team. Hopefully if more games come up I will just try and do the same.”

Related Stories

• Dunfermline 4 Forfar Athletic 0
• Assistant Manager post Forfar Athletic
• Kane ready for Cup call
• DAFC Football Cartoon History