During a difficult season in the Premier League, it is refreshing to see someone playing with a smile on their face.

And that is exactly what John Paul Kissock was doing when he made his first appearance for the club against Hearts last weekend.

The on-loan Everton starlet enjoyed every minute of his professional debut, despite being mercilessly abused by the Tynecastle crowd.

JP was easily the most entertaining player on show in the capital and demonstrated glimpses of his potential, which is held in high regard by Toffees boss Davie Moyes.

He comfortably filled the boots of injured Uruguayan playmaker Fabian Yantorno and there are clear similarities between the two.

His sublime touch and quick-feet caught the eye but it wasn’t enough to stop the Gorgie faithful from giving him a hard time.

“I got a bit of stick over my hair,” admitted the likeable Scouser.

 “They told me to get it cut and someone shouted, ‘Have you got a Big Issue?’ “Playing away from home you are bound to get a hard time but it was cracking and I enjoyed it.”

“It was a great experience and the atmosphere was brilliant. The result wasn’t what we wanted but I was pleased to get my first game.”

“It’s good for me coming into a side playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world and it will help me improve as a player.”

“I had 20 minutes to make a decision on whether to come to Gretna a few days before the transfer window closed.”

“The gaffer called me into his office and asked if I wanted to go. He thought it was a really good idea that I joined Gretna so I went along with it and trusted him.”

“I did some homework on them when I got home – after I said yes. I found out they’re nine points adrift but I still believe we can stay up.”

“I’m up for the challenge because I want to try to keep Gretna in the SPL. We’ve a game in hand on Kilmarnock and I think we’ve a really good chance because we have to play them twice.”

“If we can get within three points of them then the pressure is on them. I really believe we can do it.”

The full interview is available in the fourteenth edition of Anvil, the offficial matchday magazine of Gretna FC. It also features an exclusive interview with fellow loan recruit Ben Wilkinson.

There is also a FREE SPL Sticker Album and a pack of stickers for every reader and all you have to do to claim your copy is take along the voucher inside to any Panini stockist.

With regular columns from Davie Irons, Mick Wadsworth, Paul Murray and Kenny Crichton, Anvil is priced at £2.50 and is available from sellers around the ground.

Programme Subscriptions

Subscribe to the 2007/08 Gretna Matchday Programme and you will get every home game programme till the end of the season delivered direct to your door.

We will also throw in free postage and packing so all you pay is the price below:

• UK - £22.50
• Europe - £33.00
• Rest of the World  - £45.00

To subscribe, or for more details please contact Gretna Matchday Programme Subscriptions, O Publishing, The Old Brewery, Priory Lane, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4SG.

Telephone 01993 825938 or email subscriptions@opublishing.co.uk.