Ryan Williamson Post Falkirk

"I just took off basically and I was hoping not to give the ball away because if I had I would have been out of position and in trouble.

Ryan Williamson turned 17 earlier this year and his appearances against Hearts and Falkirk in pre season serve to demonstrate just how far he has progressed in the last twelve months. That means a journey from a schoolboy turning out for the Dunfermline Athletic under 17s at Kinross to being part of the first team squad and playing against SPL and First Division opposition is a major transformation.

Part of his development is being able to talk to the media before and after games so the young defender made his debut in that respect after his 21 minutes against Falkirk:-

"It is good that the youths are coming through to play in games like this. It gives the young players experience and I'd like to think that the Manager will keep looking to youth to try and strengthen his squad."

The Auchmuty High School former pupil played a major part in setting up Dunfermline's 82nd minute equaliser and was happy to talk us through the goal:-

"I just took off basically and I was hoping not to give the ball away because if I had I would have been out of position and in trouble. I played a one two with Shaun Byrne, drove through into the midfield and luckily it paid off for me. I played it on to Craig Dargo who slipped it through to Kevin Buchan, it was a good finish. He took his goal well."

The goal came just minutes after three substitutions were made and although the Under 20s coach John Potter had come on, Ryan revealed that it was instructions from the bench before he replaced Ross Millen that caused him to play such a major role:-

"I got told before I came on to get myself up at every opportunity because I like to think that that is a big part of my game. I would hope to continue to do that."

Playing in front of a crowd that is bigger than just parents and interested friends also comes as a huge difference. The 4538 who were at the friendly against Hearts is Ryan's biggest ever audience but it was one that he revelled in:-

"It was great but quite nerve racking to come on in. It inspired me to go on." He claimed that even as one of the youngest Pars player on the pitch that he is shown great respect by all his team mates:-

"They trust everyone on the ball and obviously that is a good thing for me. They get everyone involved, it is a team game and they make sure that everyone is a part of it. You have to trust your team mates under pressure."

For someone who has just left school coming in full time to train at Dunfermline makes every day a perfect day:-

"I am not going to complain about coming in here every day to train with professional footballers. I need to push myself on and John Potter is improving my defensive side. He gives me advice when I am needing it."

Manager Jim Jefferies was delighted with the showing from his young players, claiming that they could all play a part in this Second Division season. Ryan Williamson is certainly one to look out for.