DAVID Hopkin believes Lewis Strapp’s loan spell with Annan Athletic will help him stake a claim in the first team.

Shortly after being appointed the Ton manager watched Strapp in action when the Galabankies took on Clyde in the League One play-off final second leg.

The left-back was forced off with a shoulder injury during the second game against the Bully Wee, which Clyde won 2-0.

Hopkin says the experience of being involved in a first team environment will be a huge string to his bow and admitted Strapp has a good chance to secure the left-back spot because of his spell at the League Two side.

He told the Tele: “I’ve known Lewis for a long time. He came through as a kid when I was here as the development manager.

“He’s done well, I went and watched him in the last game against Clyde.

“I always like to see kids who have come through the academy and get a chance to play, but he needs competition as well.

“It’s about him coming in during pre-season.

“He’s got a bit about him now and he’s been on loan at Annan now.

“People probably don’t realise how much going out on loan helps you, playing regularly, being in the dressing room with proper men and he’s done fantastically well to get into the play-off final.”