STEFAN SCOUGALL is hopeful his third season at Alloa will be the most successful yet as pre-season draws to a close.

Scougall has found himself in a more central role under Brian Rice after playing out wide under previous manager Barry Ferguson.

A vital part of Alloa’s gameplan, he believes the hectic pre-season schedule will benefit Alloa in the long run.

Most recently, they took on Forfar Athletic at the Indodrill at the weekend, with competitive football just around the corner.

He told Advertiser Sport: “[On Saturday] you could probably see we were a wee bit leggy at the start and towards the end but in the middle of the game I thought we were good.

“It’s been tough, it’s been different. We’ve probably had almost the same amount of games as training sessions so far but it’s been good.

"You want to play games as it helps your match sharpness and match fitness so it’s been good so far.”

Scott Taggart told Advertiser Sport last week he would rather play than train and Scougall is no different.

“100 per cent. I think anyone would tell you the same,” he said. “It’s demanding on the legs but once the season starts you’re probably only going to be playing Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday a couple of times if you’re on a cup run so I think it’ll stand us in good stead.”

Scougall is looking to find his fitness and his touch in pre-season but echoed his manager's words and insisted there are no friendlies.

He said: “At the start you’re finding your feet again but also your touch, your passing. I think I overcooked a couple out there but that’s what pre-season is for – to try and build towards the first competitive game.

"It is all about getting your fitness but also equally as important is finding your touch as soon as possible.

“I’m sure the gaffer will be the first one to tell you there’s no friendlies. It might be your last game so you go out and give it your all.

"As soon as the more competitive games – the League Cup and the league – start, you’re looking forward to them and everything you do is building up to those games.”

As the season draws closer, Scougall is thriving in this new role and hopes this season will be his best yet for the Wasps.

He continued: “Anywhere central I don’t mind. If I’m getting on the ball I love it.

"Out wide sometimes you’re hardly touching the ball or you go home and think: ‘What was the point of playing today?’ but in the middle of the park I feel even if you’re not getting on the ball as much you’re in an area to get on the ball or influence the game by making a tackle.

“I’ve enjoyed it and the gaffer sees me playing in there; whether it’s a wee bit further forward or deeper I don’t mind playing either.

“This is my third season here, I’ve really enjoyed my time here and, hopefully, we can have a successful season and see where it goes.

“You need to be confident. We’re going to go out and try to win every game.

"If that’s going to be enough to get Alloa back up or into the play-offs, we’re just going to try to win every game.

"It’s the old cliché but we’ll take it game by game.”