Levein signing gets a New lease of life in the Juniors

DAVID WHITE, one of Craig Levein's first signings as a manager, is rebuilding his career at high-flying Newtongrange Star after a bad injury ended a seven-year stint at Brechin City.

The central defender fractured both his fibula and tibia playing for the Angus side more than a year ago and is only just starting to feel as though he's getting back to normal. After being on loan earlier in the season, White has now signed for Newtongrange and is looking forward to facing Tayport in the last 16 of the Emirates Scottish Junior Cup this weekend.

"I joined Brechin from Cowdenbeath after spending four years there, having been signed by Craig Levein before also playing under Gary Kirk and Keith Wright," said White, who was brought up in Loanhead and now lives in Bonnyrigg.

"I was at Brechin for seven years but, just before last New Year, I fractured both my fibula and tibia. It took me a good year to fully get over it and I've still got aches and pains. But, as weeks go on, it is starting to ease off and I feel as though I'm getting my fitness and sharpness back.

"I've signed until end of the season and just taking it each game as it comes. I feel I'm getting stronger and all I'm trying to do is get as many games as I can between now and the end of the season.

"I'll be looking to get a good pre-season under my belt and see what happens after that. I still want to play at as high a level as I can but if it means I'm still at Newtongrange, then great as Graeme (Armstrong] has been brilliant with me. I'm enjoying working with him and the players."

They include Grant McNicoll, who was a youngster at Hearts at the same time as players like Gary Locke, Paul Ritchie and Gary Naysmith.

He joined Newtongrange from Arniston Rangers last season and teamed up with White at the heart of the Star defence as they beat Musselburgh 2-1 last weekend to remain as the closest challengers to leaders Bo'ness in the East Region Super League.

"We have a good work ethic and a desire to win games," said McNicoll. "The team has young guys who are keen and enthusiastic while we've also got experience in myself, David White and Gareth Hutchison. I joined from Arniston last summer. My brother was here before and he spoke highly of Graeme, the facilities and the club.

"My knee plays up now and again but that's to be expected at 32. I'd like to think I could play another three of four years."

Looking ahead to this weekend's Junior Cup clash away to Tayport, he added: "We've had a good run so far, beating Pollok, one of the favourites. It would have been nice to have another home tie as we seem to up tempo there and play a bit better but we'll certainly be going up to Tayport determined to give a good account of ourselves.

"If we can beat Tayport away, I think we can beat anyone."

Former Stenhousemuir striker Hutchison is still out injured, but Armstrong, who is delighted with the season to date, is hoping that Stuart Roseburgh will be back to full fitness after he came on as a substitute against Musselburgh.