Darren Young is happy for Albion Rovers to fly under the radar in Ladbrokes League One after being hit with budget cuts in the summer.

The Rovers player manager has his team sitting in the play-offs after the first quarter of the season, having taken 14 points from their first 10 games.

That's one more point than they had at this stage last term where they went on to finish in a very respectable 6th.

Young wants Rovers to improve every season and that's what he's managed to achieve since taking over in 2014.

They were promoted from League Two in his first campaign and last term's sixth finish was another big achievement.

And despite being hit with cuts to an already tight budget over the summer, Young still believes his side can compete with the big boys in League One and sneak a play-off spot.

Asked if he was happy with Rovers' start to the season in an exclusive interview with Ladbrokes News, Young said: "Definitely. We were on a good run apart from Saturday's loss to Peterhead.

"We're happy with the performances, happy how we're playing up against teams with bigger budgets.

"And we're happy with where we are. If we can get into the play-offs then that's massive for a club like us.

"We're tiny in comparison to these clubs around about us.

"Everyone spoke last season about how good a job we did and we went into this season looking to improve, but the wage budget was cut again so you have to deal with that while trying to put out as strong a team as possible.

"If we do well and have as good a season as last then we'll be there or there abouts.

"But, as we've said, there's a long way to go and a lot of football to be played."

Young insists he can still do his bit as a player as Albion Rovers bid for more success.

The 38-year-old midfielder has hardly played due to injury and illness so far this season, but hopes he can overcome the challenges of balancing work life with his managerial responsibilities to get back on the pitch.

Young added: "I hurt my groin and I'd been ill for a week there so I'm just getting back to fitness.

"I probably won't be starting, but if I'm needed then I'll obviously step in.

"I've been playing for the under 20s and had a couple of games for the first team, but I'm more back-up than anything else.

"I can still contribute, but I'm working during the day as well and it's difficult keeping it going. If you're not playing every Saturday then you need to find a 90 minutes somewhere.

"I'm trying to do a bit of everything and it takes its toll. But, at the same time, if I can keep myself fit I think I can contribute."

Young takes his Albion Rovers side away to Alloa at the weekend and league sponsors Ladbrokes have priced them at 33/10 to get the win.