U18s: Bonnyrigg Rose (H) preview

The under-18s return to competitive action on Friday evening when they welcome Bonnyrigg Rose to the McDiarmid Park astroturf.

Free for supporters to attend, the Club Academy Scotland Cup fixture is scheduled to kick-off at 7.15pm.

Captain Dom Shiels was on hand to preview the game and said: “We’ve not heard too much about Bonnyrigg but we’ll just look to continue doing well in this cup. We’re undefeated and we’re hoping to maintain that.

“It has been a bit of a frustrating season overall. There have been games where we have started well and then faded away in the second half, whether it is getting tired or losing concentration. We just need to sharpen up and our focus is on putting in a 90-minute performance.”

Dom was named U18s captain this season and that is a role he is enjoying growing into as the weeks progress.

“I like to encourage my team-mates – that is a job you need to do as a captain,” he added. “It can be tough when results are not going your way, but you need to lift everyone.

“I’m always happy to help bring some of the younger boys out of their shell and help them progress.”