ATHLETIC'S squad have shown a "real maturity" throughout a challenging period with injuries and proven their ability to adapt.

That's according to their manager, James McPake, who has praised their character but has acknowledged they still have "miles to grow".

Despite losing out to Partick Thistle on Saturday, the Pars still sit fourth in the Championship following last season's League One title win, four points ahead of Greenock Morton, Ayr United and Airdrieonians, who occupy the three places immediately beneath them.

McPake's squad is a mix of youth and experience and, throughout the season so far, has been shorn of key players at different stages.

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Kane Ritchie-Hosler, having already undergone operations for ankle and knee injuries, is currently sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, whilst the likes of skipper, Kyle Benedictus, centre back, Rhys Breen, midfielder, Matty Todd, and goalkeeper, Deniz Mehmet, have all had lengthy spells on the sidelines at different stages.

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In a recent interview, McPake commented: "What I think this young squad has shown, through injuries, through a change of personnel at times and players playing in different positions, is a real maturity and understanding of what we're trying to do.

"It's a testament to the character of the players that they've been able to adapt seamlessly to the challenges thrown their way.

"We've miles to grow. I said grow and I mean that as a group - myself, Dave (Mackay, assistant manager), and the rest of the staff included - but credit to that young squad.

"It's Ewan Otoo's first real season at this level, the same with Kane Ritchie-Hosler, (and) arguably Lewis McCann's first season at this level as a first team player, the same with Matty Todd and Paul Allan, because they were in and out the last time in the Championship.

"We have experience with Joe Chalmers, Kyle Benedictus, Deniz Mehmet, Michael O’Halloran, Craig Wighton, and Aaron Comrie. Apart from that, with the rest of them, this is all new to them."

McPake, who takes his team to Arbroath on Saturday, remains focused on ensuring the Pars consolidate their Championship status this season, added: "We still need to get to a certain points total to be clear of relegation.

"That’s the aim, to stay in this league and to progress that young group, and I think we’ve started that process, and it’s going along okay."