Rising star David Wotherspoon keeping feet on the ground

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 22:51

DAVID WOTHERSPOON insists there is no chance of his success at Hibernian going to his head – because his dad would not let it.

Wotherspoon has graduated from the club's all-conquering Under-19 side with flying colours this season, becoming a first-team regular at Easter Road.

Such a rapid rise to stardom has adversely affected more than one young player but Wotherspoon is confident that he won't get carried away.

"To be honest, I've kept the same lifestyle off and on the park throughout my years," said the 19-year-old ahead of today's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game with Falkirk. "I always told my mates it's all about sacrifice. Even when I was a young age, I would stay in when they were going out."

Even if his new-found fame was to go to Wotherspoon's head, his father would soon set him straight. "He tries to wrap me in cotton wool," he said. "He keeps me grounded and he knows I'm quite a sensible boy anyway, so he's pretty happy with the way I'm dealing with it."

As one of the newest players in the Hibs dressing room, Wotherspoon admits his team-mates sometimes wind him up, but, ultimately, treat him with "more respect" now he is one of their peers.

He has certainly earned their admiration this season, especially by playing out of position for the majority of the campaign. Nominally a midfielder, Wotherspoon has filled in at right-back this term, though he made a surprise return to his favoured berth at St Mirren last week.

"I feel more comfortable there; I like attacking more," he said, before insisting he was "happy to play anywhere". "I'm sure I'll get my spot eventually."

Falkirk defender Brian Allison was a boyhood Hibernian fan and will aim to give his friends and some of his family a miserable weekend by beating John Hughes' third-placed team at Easter Road. "It's a great feeling to play there, it's kind of a dream come true," said Allison, who is set to continue at right-back after Falkirk drew with Celtic and beat Hamilton since he was brought into the team.

"I played there a couple of seasons ago for the last 20-25 minutes. It's a great atmosphere and, being from Edinburgh, a lot of my friends and family will be there. I don't know what team they will be supporting, mind you."

Falkirk will again have recent signing Pedro Pele on the bench and could be further strengthened by 23-year-old French midfielder Toufik Zerara.

The former France Under-20 international has signed until January after a spell in Bahrain and Falkirk hope to get international clearance through for him to make the bench at Easter Road.

"It's a short-term deal which gives him the opportunity to see if he likes Scottish football," said manager Eddie May. "He attacks, he defends, he can play wide, he can play inside. I think people will be a wee bit surprised by the quality he has got."