WASPS youngster Ryan Hoggan is desperate to make his mark in the first next season after signing a new deal with the club last month.

The teen sensation made his first team debut for Alloa Athletic at Ibrox Stadium against Rangers last season, and now he is eyeing up a bigger role in the first team squad for next season.

The versatile youngster reckons the manager has already shown his faith in the club’s young talent with the likes of Scott Hynd, Lewis Wilson and Isaac Layne likely to feature heavily for the club in the season ahead.

Hoggan told Advertiser sport: “I am absolutely delighted to sign for the club again as I have loved every minute I have been here. Everyone at the club is really close so that makes it a very enjoyable place to play your football. The gaffer was a big factor on me re-signing for next season because I believe the team he has built is very capable of achieving great things this season. His training is extremely enjoyable which makes you look forward to training.

“He is a very good one on one manager and likes to talk individually to each player so that obviously is going to make me develop more. I also believe that although I am very young he wont hesitate to throw me in if he believes I am capable of doing a job for the team.

“I am really hoping to break through this year and play a decent amount of games for the first team and I believe the gaffer is the right person to help me achieve this. It was a great experience last season when Danny Lennon showed he trusted me by giving me my professional debut away to Rangers at Ibrox, it was an unbelievable experience. The occasion has gave me a great experience of what it is like to play in a game with that sort of atmosphere in front of that many fans. It is something I believe can benefit me in the long run.

“Hopefully myself, Lewis and Scotty can all break through together and play games for the first team as I think last season in training we managed it no problem and we are close to all the boys in the changing room.”

Hoggan was quick to pay tribute to the club’s head of youth development Graeme Liveston who he says played a key role in preparing him for life in the first team squad at the Indodrill over the season to come.

Gaffer Jack Ross has already hinted that he may need to blood some of his young guns next term and his youngest graduate says he is ready to answer the call.

He said: “I am extremely grateful to the youth set up the club has and how good they have been with me. I feel that by Graeme Liveston playing me every week at reserve level against experienced players when i was only 15/16 really developed me as a player and I thank him a lot for that. Hopefully, if I get my opportunity in the first team I can go and do him proud.

“Obviously i am delighted to hear the gaffer saying I will get my chances this season coming but it is up to me to impress him in training enough for him to believe i can cope in this division. Hopefully I can achieve this and push on even more this season. It is a case of taking my chances when they come so i can hopefully remain in the team for as long as possible and do a good job for the gaffer and the lads.”

The young defender, who celebrates his 18th birthday next week, is excited by the squad the manager has assembled for the club’s assault on League One and he is hopeful of playing his part.

Hoggan added: “The team the gaffer has built for the up coming season is extremely strong and is more than capable for being promoted back up to the championship. That will be our main goal for this season, to win as many games as possible and get promoted and make the fans happy.

“The gaffer has managed to sign very talented players and also a mix of experience and youth. Hopefully the experienced boys can help me again this season just like they did last season with their advice.”