Youngster playing grim role now and then (4)

I believe the answer is:

girl

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'youngster' is the definition.

'grim role now and then' is the wordplay.
'now and then' indicates alternate letters (letters taken on a regular basis, now and then).
'grim'+'role'='grimrole'
The alternating letters of 'grimrole' are 'GIRL'.

'playing' is the link.
This may not be correct. It may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for girl that I've seen before include "Lass" , "Young woman" , "Miss" , "Lassie" , "Maidservant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app