LOAN Ranger Kane Ritchie-Hosler has not ruled out staying with Athletic after enjoying "the best feeling" he's had in his fledgling career.

The 20-year-old produced another sparkling show on Saturday, which he capped by scoring his first league goal for the club, to help five-star Pars thump Queen of the South and wrap up the League One title in style.

Ritchie-Hosler, who left Manchester City's youth set-up to join Rangers in the summer of 2019, arrived at KDM Group East End Park on loan at the end of September, netting his first goal in a 4-0 Scottish Cup win over Forfar Athletic.

He played six times before the New Year but, following another four-goal victory, over Peterhead, in January, he has gone on to play another 12 times for James McPake and become a key part of the side.

Whilst his loan deal with Dunfermline comes to an end at the conclusion of the season, his contract at Ibrox will also expire at the end of May, and he left the possibility of playing in front of the Pars fans, who have taken him to their hearts, again next season open.

"We'll see," was Ritchie-Hosler's coy response when asked whether he would be back in an Athletic jersey next term.

"I don't know yet. We'll have to see what happens, but I love it here, so we'll just see."

The Manchester-born star, whose family are set to travel north for the team's final home match of the season against Clyde on April 29, when they will be presented with the trophy, has been thrilled with how his temporary stint with the Pars has worked out.

That has been reciprocated by the supporters, who afford him a rousing reception as he was substituted in the 73rd minute on Saturday, leaving the field in front of the North West Stand before making his way around the Norrie McCathie and Main stands back to the dugout.

"It was crazy with the fans. The gaffer did it on purpose, to be honest, putting me round there," he smiled.

"He made me switch to the other side and told me to go off the other side! It was amazing.

"It took me a while to get going at first, and then I've managed to get myself in the team. I've just enjoyed the whole experience, honestly. I can't thank the staff enough, the players and everyone.

"It's a huge moment for me. Like I say, I'm just buzzing right now. I can't even speak, really!"

Ritchie-Hosler sparked the Pars party into life by scoring the opening goal midway through the first half, which was added to by Matty Todd, Craig Wighton's brace, and Kevin O'Hara.

"We played a short corner and I've tried to whip it. I've not got the best connection on it to be honest," he added.

"I think Wighty might've put him (Queens keeper Kevin Dabrowski) off a little bit, it's just gone through and managed to go in, thankfully! It's my goal as well, so I'm buzzing!

"It's the best feeling I've had to be honest, especially because it's the first goal as well. It's amazing, honestly."