Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Keeper Kieran keen to be Wright stuff
Rovers extend loan deal for Rangers youngster
Kieran Wright has set his sights on saving Albion Rovers – as well as proving himself at international level and to coaches at Rangers.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper signed an extension to his loan deal from Ibrox which will keep him between the sticks at Cliftonhill until the end of the season.
His deal was the first to be signed on what turned out to be a busy transfer deadline day for Rovers who also added defender Harlain Mbayo to the squad on a development loan from Aberdeen.
Wright is set for a crucial few months as he helps Rovers fight for their League One place and looks to secure a call-up to the Scotland under-19 squad for the European Championship qualifiers next month.
The loan kid has displaced Daniel Potts as the No.1 in the past couple
“It’s been a great experience so far for me,” he told the Advertiser. “I enjoyed facing St Johnstone. It wasn’t a great result even though I thought the performance was decent.
“It showed me the level that I want to be able to get to. Long term, I want to establish myself in the Premiership with Rangers.
“The European qualifiers are also coming up, so that’s another goal – to be called up.
“I have loved it in League One so far. It’s a good experience for me and there is a lot I can learn.
“I knew it would be a tough level but I’ll just keep going, and I’m glad I’ve got my chance in the team.
“Both Brian (Kerr) and goalkeeping coach Lindsay (Hamilton) have been brilliant with me. I know I’ve got a lot to learn but it’s been great so far.”
Wright also feels the squad mentality has helped him so far, with former Ranger Ross Perry and Rovers captain Gary Fisher in particular offering him a helping hand.
He said: “I get on well with the guys in the dressing room, they are a good bunch.
“I knew Ross from when he was at Rangers. He’s been there so knows what it’s like. Gary Fisher as well has been a big help.
“It’s a tougher level than people might think and having guys with experience around you really helps.”
He declined to be drawn on the battle at the bottom of League One but said: “We just want to take every game as it comes.
“I’ll just keep trying to do my best every week for the team.”