Raith Rovers youngster David Bates has more than a point or two to prove if he wins the nod to start against Albion Rovers this afternoon.
The teenage centre-half spent the second half of last season out on loan with East Stirlingshire.
His final outing for the League Two outfit came against Albion and it was a match where he suffered mixed fortunes.
Bates netted his first senior goal during the game but Rovers, who had already secured promotion, ran riot, scoring five.
Now, the 18-year-old is looking for some payback if as expected he takes the place of the injured Lewis Toshney at the heart of Raith’s defence today.
Bates said: “I came up through the youth ranks and have been at the club since I was 14.
“I went full-time two years ago on an apprenticeship but this is my first year as a pro.
“So this is a big season for me and I will have to try and impress the gaffer.
“If I get a chance in the team, I will have to try to take it.
“Hopefully, I can do enough.
He added: “I was on loan at East Stirling last season for six months.
“It was really good but it was a bit of shock at first going out there because of the physical side of things.
“Playing for the Under-20s is not as physical or as demanding as first-team football.
“In League Two it was big boys up front and I also learned a lot from having an experienced centre-half alongside me at East Stirling.
“I think it probably accelerated my development.
“It should stand me in good stead this season.
“Ironically, my last game for East Stirling was against Albion Rovers.
“I scored my first senior goal but the game was a bit of a nightmare as we were beaten 5-1.
“We actually beat them in the first game away but when they came to us they were in party mode as they had won the league by then.
“It was one to forget so it would be great to play against them again for Raith.
“It would be good if we could go on a wee cup run.
“I watched the boys win the Ramsdens Cup a couple of seasons ago and they were all so happy after it. I just wish I could do that myself.”