SCOTT TAGGART has heaped praise on Luke Rankin as the young striker grabbed Alloa’s only goal against Livingston.

The Wasps kicked off their pre-season schedule with a visit to the Almondvale Stadium, taking on the recently relegated West Lothian side.

This was the first time out for Alloa since getting training back underway the week before, with the manager aiming to get fitness back into his side.

Alloa found themselves trailing by two goals before Luke Rankin came off the bench to pull one back for the Wasps.

The youngster is coming off the back of a hugely impressive loan spell at East Stirlingshire, which saw him find the back of the net more than 20 times and pick up the side’s POTY award.

Now, Wasps captain Scott Taggart has laid praise at Rankin, citing his loan spell as a key factor for the youth product going forward.

“He took it really well,” Taggart added. “You can tell it’s been the best thing for him going out and getting games.

“He got to see what it was like playing every week and I think that’s definitely only going to have helped him.

“He’s filled out a wee bit and worked hard over the summer and that’s all he can do – when he comes on or gets whatever chance he gets, he just needs to keep working hard for the team and hopefully get the goals.

“He took his goal excellently today.”

Alloa visit to Livingston kicks off their pre-season schedule, which they continue with a visit from Clyde for a behind closed doors friendly this Saturday.

This is then followed up by an away double header to Greenock Morton and Falkirk, before commencing with the League Cup fixtures.

“It’s good to get back into things,” Taggart added. “We came back last Saturday and had a good session then.

“Tuesday and Thursday were tough but it’s good to get right into the games right away to give some guys minutes in the legs.

“I thought the boys did excellently in our first week back against a good team.

“Regardless of who we’re playing, it’ll be tough in pre-season but it’s all about getting ready for the competitive games starting in the League Cup.

“The boys will have plenty chances to get minutes in the legs and work on a couple of things.

“It’s been a quick week so we didn’t really have a chance to work on anything but as the games come, the guys will have more of a chance to work on a few things before going into the cup games.”