TRAINING with a Pars hero is something that Reece Cole hopes can help him in his quest to become a first team regular.

But the 23-year-old knows that he could endear himself to the Athletic faithful by following pal Joe Cardle in being part of a winning team in a Fife derby.

The former Partick Thistle midfielder, who played alongside current Kelty Hearts star Cardle at Firhill, is itching to play his part in tonight's rearranged game at Raith Rovers.

Cole has made seven appearances in black and white so far, five of them from the bench, and has been taking part in sessions with Cardle at the winger's football academy to build up his fitness.

He came off the bench during Saturday's draw with Hamilton and, speaking to the media this week, he said: "Obviously when you are not playing you are not getting the match fitness that everyone else is getting.

"I just feel that I needed to do a little bit extra just to keep my sharpness up, otherwise when I do get the chance, I have got to be ready for it. Little things like that can benefit me when the chance does come to me.

"He (Cardle) probably won’t like me saying it, but he is a bit of an old boy now and he has plenty of experience for me to take from him. As much as we are very good mates, he will tell me what I need to do better and things like that.

"I’m not there for a jolly, I’m there to work and get the best out of the sessions, it is good.

"I have said in interviews before he reckons that he is a Dunfermline legend, some people might say otherwise, but I try and give him a little bit stick about that.

"Hopefully when my chance does come I can show everyone what I can do - the fans, the manager and the boys as well. It is every young boy’s dream to play in derbies and big games like this. It is an exciting game and one that stands out on the fixture list.

"I can’t wait to get going on Wednesday.”

Looking ahead to tonight's game, Cole reflected on the visit to Stark's Park last month, which was abandoned after 15 minutes due to a power failure.

"The atmosphere was electric so hopefully the fans will come and bring that same energy on Wednesday and that will get us over the line," he added.

"It doesn’t matter if it’s the biggest or the smallest derby in Scotland. We have to go and win the game, I don’t think that it brings anymore pressure to us. Every game is the same; you are going out to go and get three points and win the game.

"Obviously there is a little more bite because the fans are louder and that can only benefit us."