PETER Grant believes his Alloa dressing room was behind the sparkling displays of Scott Banks and Lee Connelly in the Wasps’ Inverness win. 

The youngsters stole the headlines with two performances out of the top drawer, both setting up a goal and the latter also enjoying getting on the scoresheet. 

It was the first time the pair have started a game together since making the switch in January and the gaffer insisted the influence of senior players has been crucial in helping the pair adapt to life in Clacks. 

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Grant, 54, told Advertiser Sport: “When I look at the characters in the group at the start of the season, I knew the ones I had were fantastic. 

“I always remember someone saying if you have senior players at your club, make sure they are good ones. If not, get rid of them.

“That’s a thing that has always stuck in my mind and that’s why I can afford to bring in the Ben Stirlings and the Robbie Deas. 

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Grant was full of praise for senior squad members like Steven Hetherington Grant was full of praise for senior squad members like Steven Hetherington

“That was the thing that was more pleasing for me as we have lost some top players who haven’t been able to play.

“I had to make sure I brought the right characters in and you see it with young Banks and Connelly. They all gave us that wee bit of excitement. 

“But, I can’t forget how good I thought Stevie Hetherington was (against Inverness), especially trying to replace someone like Iain Flannigan.

“To a man, including the guys who came on, they proved they can be part of the team.”

It’s no secret Grant has long been an admirer of former Dundee United prospect Banks, especially after watching his form last season while on loan at Clyde with his son Raymond. 

A move didn’t quite materialise in the summer but the Wasps boss finally landed his man in the January window when he - along with Connelly - signed on loan until the end of the season. 

“The great thing about the two of them is they have an unbelievable work ethic,” Grant said “They train really well. 

“They have got talent and you saw that with the two of them on Saturday.

“I saw Scott a lot at Clyde last year and I tried to sign him before Clyde got promoted after seeing him with my son Raymond.

“As soon as I got the job, I tried to bring him in. At Christmas, I asked him again and watched it closely.

“When I signed him from Palace, I let him stay down there for three weeks so he could get his fitness up. But you can train as much as you want, it is what you do on the pitch that counts.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Lee Connelly scored his first goal for Alloa in the win over Inverness Lee Connelly scored his first goal for Alloa in the win over Inverness

“If he had played more and was fitter, I genuinely I think he would have scored more goals and created more opportunities. But, that’s because he’s not got the game legs yet. 

“He’s a talented, talented boy.

“I am delighted for young Lee because since he came in the door he has been magnificent. His work ethic has been unbelievable and he’s been unfortunate.

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“Every time he has got on the pitch, he excites me. It’s fantastic to see young boys with a great enthusiasm for the game.

“A lot of young kids get knocked nowadays if they are not enjoying the game. But, these kids go about their business like it’s their first day at school.

“That’s down to the dressing room and the senior players I have because I know they will teach them the right things.”