SCHOOL OF HARD KNOX
FUTURE STAR MATT’S BAY WATCH Livi hitkid insists loan at East Fife isn’t a comedown after trials at Rangers, Man United & Liverpool
MATTHEW KNOX has been courted by some of the country’s top clubs but insists East Fife is the right place to develop his career.
The Livingston striker’s had trial stints at Rangers, Manchester United, Liverpool Barnsley and Sunderland, where he looked to be on the verge of sealing a move last month.
But when the Black Cats failed to meet Lions’ valuation, Knox, 18, pushed for a loan move for game time and insists he isn’t disheartened to now be plying his trade in Scotland’s third tier.
He said: “I believe there have been a few bids (from Sunderland) that maybe didn’t meet the price Livi were asking for. Hopefully they’ll keep an eye on me along with other clubs.
“I’m enjoying it at Livi but I just feel it’s time to start playing. It’s been good to get on the bench and train because I need more first-team experience.
“I spoke to David Hopkin to see if I’d be able to go out on loan to get some game time and he agreed it was a good idea.
“It’s till the end of the season so I can come back to Livi for pre-season and push for a place.
“I’ve been at New Bayview for a few weeks and I’m starting to get to know the boys. I’d like carve out a place in the starting line-up in the next few games.”
Getting a taste of life at football’s top table has shown Knox what he needs to do to reach the top.
He said: “Man United was a great experience. The first time I went down it was like ‘wow’ – I’d never seen anything like that before.
“Everyone is together at the training ground, the youth players and the first team. It’s class. You have lunch next to all the big Premier League stars.
“I saw Jose Mourinho about the training ground but I didn’t get to meet him. At Liverpool I scored for the U18s in a friendly against Japan who were over to play England. I loved it.”
Although Knox still hopes to make it big he’s focused on impressing at the Fifers to hopefully force his way into the picture at Livi.
He said: “Getting a taste of huge clubs has helped shape my ambitions.
“But you need to think about where you are just now. I want to push on at Livi.”