I’d be lion if I said I’m not over the moon about Europe
JOE WRIGHT used to dream about being an astronaut or even a lion.
Now he reckons it’s out of this world that Kilmarnock will be roaring in Europe.
Derek McInnes’ side are heading for Europe after a terrific term.
Wright has always wanted to have a crack at continental competition but his ambitions were a fair bit loftier as a child.
Asked if he dreamed of being a footballer in Europe, the defender laughed and said: “When you’re young, you imagine yourself being an astronaut, footballer and a chef all at the same time.
“I got as far as putting a lid on my head. I just learned about the planets and that was about it!
“I had that innocence of youth. When you’re young it’s important to have those dreams.
“I thought I was going to be a lion when I was four or five. My mum always used to joke about that at family meals that I thought I’d be a lion when I grew up.
“When you get older, they probably drift and it’s not something that you do expect. For us to achieve that is brilliant.”
The Leeds fan isn’t old enough to recount the great European Elland Road nights of the 1960s and 1970s, but does recall the Champions League days under David O’Leary.
He continued: “I remember watching the likes of Alan Smith, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka, players like that during the not-so-much-glory days, but they were for me growing up.
“I never went to any of the games, I was probably a bit young at the time.
“Afterwards, I just loved playing football, so I was never available on a weekend to actually go watch them.”
Wright will now be the one being watched as he moves onto the big stage with McInnes’ men.
Having switched north of the border at the start of last season, the club’s progression under the manager has been outstanding.
Wright had been trial at Hearts after five years at Doncaster Rovers and made three pre-season appearances in five days for manager Robbie Neilson against East Fife, Spartans and Bonnyrigg.
However, no deal was done, McInnes swooped and Wright progressed from a strong first campaign at Rugby Park to sign a two-year extension to his deal 12 months ago.
He said: “I remember the call with the gaffer and he said that the first season was all about survival and then after that we are looking to push on. It’s a massive platform here.”