Edinburgh University player goes senior to face Rangers - Scottish Amateur Football Association

COMING from the Borders, it was only natural that Andrew Cook played more rugby than football at school. But at the age of 14, he made a decision to stick with the round ball that he could scarcely have anticipated the significance of.

Cook has since made the fairytale leap from amateur to senior football, and a match against the UEFA Cup finalists on Saturday.

The 22-year-old is still awestruck at making the switch from Edinburgh University to Raith Rovers and admitted he can scarcely believe he is preparing to run out against the mighty Glasgow Rangers.

"It's hard to believe that this is real," he told SportsPress.

"When I first came here and saw the stadium, it felt like I was dreaming. I'm used to playing in front of one man and his dog.

"It was hard to adapt to at first but the more I train, and the more games I play in, the more it's starting to feel like it's really happening.

"I've already played against two SPL teams and now Rangers are coming on Saturday, which will be a great experience for everyone.

"It's great to part of but it's all about getting ready for the first game of the season."

Up until the summer, Cook had been combining his PE studies at Edinburgh University with turning out for the uni's football team.

His stand-out performances earned him a call-up to the Scottish Universities side, where his displays first alerted Berwick Rangers.

However, John McGlynn was also on the case and after a few scouting missions, the Rovers boss decided Cook was worth a gamble.

"You always have reservations about making such a big step up but I knew this was a move I wanted to make," he said.

"At first I thought it was a joke when I heard Raith were interested, but when the contract offer came I was delighted."

An injury to Laurie Ellis in preseason has given Cook a chance he did not expect and he has started each of Rovers three friendlies.

"When I signed I had no idea whether I was going to be involved in the first team straight away," he said.

"But we've got a small squad and injuries have given me my chance. I've played left back but I'm right-footed as well so can play on either side.

"It's great to be starting games and now that I've got the experience behind me I want to stay in the team. I don't want to be a sub."

Cooks displays against Stenhousemuir and Hibs showed he has the ability to become a regular in Rovers first team.

But he and his team mates were brought back down to earth by the skill and speed of Dundee United in Saturday's 4-0 drubbing at Stark's Park.

"I've learned so much already, especially from Dundee United who were very good on the ball and had great movement," he said.

"We have to learn from our mistakes in that game and learn not dwell on the ball so much and pass the ball quicker.

"We lost two early goals, became flustered and stopped talking and everything broke down.

"The goals we lost were down to ourselves but at the same time we were playing opposition who were clearly a level above."

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