He’s learned from elite goalkeepers at Rangers – but his spell at Partick Thistle is really giving Kieran Wright some of his best football education.
The Scotland U21s international signed for Thistle on a season-long loan from Rangers this term as they look for a Championship return. He has since made himself number one at Firhill, Wright now a mainstay in Ian McCall’s League One Jags side.
He’s picked up an award too for his efforts in Maryhill as Wright reflected on his loan stint so far, which has had him keep two consecutive clean sheets ahead of today’s game with Dumbarton.
“I’m delighted, I thought big Brian Graham would have nicked it,” said Wright, who was speaking after collecting the club’s McCrea Mortgages Player of the Month award for November, voted for by supporters.
“I’m very happy to get the award. Brian said that Rangers fans hijacked the vote! I was thrown in at the deep end after a not so good result in the first game of the season. But I’m happy to just get a run of games going.
“The back four in general have been brilliant these past couple of weeks. The Rangers loan manager, Billy Kirkwood, is always in contact to see how I’m getting on. He always watches the game.
“When I do my gym work at Murray Park there’s always passerby’s asking how I’m getting on. I think this is the most beneficial loan and I have enjoyed this the most because it’s a full-time team.
“You’re training four times a week with a game on the Saturday. I feel that’s much better for myself and that’s the main thing – getting a good relationship with the boys.”
While his time at Thistle is giving him first-hand experience on the senior frontline, Wright’s period training alongside the likes of Allan McGregor at Rangers has brought his game forward.
He says such senior figures have been a big influence on him and one in particular is a source of inspiration: “If you look between Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin, they have over 1,000 appearances for club and country.
“McGregor’s a bit like myself. He was a young boy at Rangers who went out on loan a few loans. So I do take from him, as I am on the same pathway as he was on.
“It’s good listening to him for help as he’s been through this.”
Partick Thistle’s Player of the Month Awards for season 2020/21 are proudly sponsored by McCrea Mortgages – visit www.mcreafs.co.uk/mortgages to find out more