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Defender Ryan Strachan spoke to the media ahead of tomorrow’s cinch League One visit to Alloa Athletic.

Ryan is hoping he did enough in last weekend’s 2-0 victory over Balmoral Stadium to merit a starting slot against The Wasps as well.

It would give him the opportunity to add to what has been a pretty remarkable run of clean sheets when he has featured this term.

We didn’t concede any goals in the last 10 league games in which Ryan has played the full 90 minutes.

That has contributed to us having the most shut-outs in cinch League One so far, 14 in 26 games.

Ryan said: “It’s always nice to have personal targets to aim for in a team game.

“I’m very proud to have played my part in helping us keep so many clean sheets and hope that will continue.

“You always want to be in the starting 11 and every time I’ve got the opportunity I feel I have done well, although I must emphasise it has been a real team effort.

“I was a bit unfortunate to tear a calf muscle in the cup game against Hibs, which meant I had to drop out.

“Since I turned 30, I feel I have been really unlucky when it comes to injuries but I felt great after the Falkirk game and hopefully that’s me free of any more problems this season.

‘Like everyone else, I want to be involved with so many big games ahead and doing well defensively will be important.

“Strength at the back is the key to success in any team.

“If opponents struggle to create chances and score against you then you always have a chance of winning, especially when you have players of the quality we have at the other end of the park.

“Communication is a big part of keeping clean sheets.

“You need to speak to each other, to keep moving and make sure you can read the game so that you can anticipate possible situations.

“That’s something we are good at, but we know we have to keep on working at it if we want to continue have a good defensive record.”

Ryan expects our defensive resolve to be tested to the full against an Alloa side who were boosted by beating Dumbarton 2-1 away last weekend.

“Every game in this league is tough – home and away” said Ryan.

“You have to be on your guard every time you go out there because every side you face is capable of beating you if you aren’t at the top of your game.

“We are keen to be successful this season and highly motivated, but we are a long way from having achieved anything yet.”

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