LARGS Thistle winger Ben Black says he can't wait to get back to playing football - having turned from the least experienced player in the team to one of the elder statesmen at only 22.


The fleet-footed forward is enjoying life after two seasons with the Barrfields club having signed from Irvine Meadow.
Last year, Black was one of three players who benefitted from receiving assistance at the hyperbaric chamber in West Kilbride to try and rush back to fitness for crucial Scottish Cup fixtures.
He said: "I suffered ligament damage after a tackle in the league match at Renfrew, just a week after the 5-0 Scottish Cup quarter final victory against Kilwinning. I was out for four or five weeks of the season at a critical stage.
"I had only been on the park five minutes as a sub.
"Nicky Jamieson, Creag Little and myself all benefitted from using the MS Centre. It definitely helped speed up the recovery process and I managed to get back for the second leg of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hurlford.
"It was some experience to be chucked into such a big game after recovering - and to get the win was terrific."
Black made an impression at the Barrfields club in his first season.
He said: "I love attacking down the wing and it is the biggest part of my game."
Black played a big part in Thistle's run to the Scottish Cup Final in 2019.
He said: "Playing with guys like Mark Millar in midfield was a revelation. He has so much experience and was pivotal in midfield in setting up attacks but could also defend."
Black signed from Irvine Meadow but turned the tables on his former side when Largs beat them 7-0 in a memorable league encounter at Barrfields in 2018-19.
He recalled: "I couldn't believe that. It was our biggest win of the season and was start of big things to come - but it also turned Irvine Meadow's season around too as they went on a long unbeaten run after that.
"It is always enjoyable to score against your old team."
One of Black's important goals signalled Thistle's recovery against St Roch's in the Scottish Cup 5th round as Largs moved 3-2 up, having been 2-0 down against ten men in the replay in the east side of Glasgow.
Black said: "It was a crazy game but we knew when we scored the first goal that we were fitter than they were and we went on and grabbed other goals to set up a 5-2 win .
The wideman has now gone from one of the youngest players into the side to one of the oldest after a string of coming and goings.
He laughed: "Some weeks I was the second oldest player in the squad. Most of the boys were only 19 or 20.
"We put in some great performances. Winning at Clydebank and Glenafton were highlights as the games were so tough but we came through it and got the victories.
"I have linked up well with Scott Adam and it was great to see him at the top of the Premier goalscoring charts. He is such a skilful finisher for a tall guy. He gets on the end of my crosses and is a natural finisher.
"We have some experienced players including Paul Harkins and Laurie McMaster and I do my best to help the boys, though I am still learning the game myself."
Black played a key role in big wins to help Largs to Premier League safety - including the 3-1 home victory over Cumnock and a 4-1 over his former side Meadow.
Black said: "I scored in our last home game against Troon and it was a great result as it was 0-0 at half-time and there was nothing in the game at that point. The 3-1 win over Cumnock was rewarding as it was freezing conditions - and it was a big win for us in terms of the table."
The speedy winger says he is thoroughly enjoying working with manager Stuart Davidson who he described as one of the best coaches he has ever worked with.
He said: "Stuart is so passionate about the game. His main quality is he is a winner and demands 100 per cent at all times."
Black hopes that the game will return sooner rather than later as the lockdown continues.
He said: "It is what it is but there is nothing better than playing football on a Saturday in front of all the supporters. I can't wait to get back."