Wighton bound for Premiership

ARBROATH: Lichties chairman backs ex-dee striker for top flight return

Arbroath chairman Mike Caird believes Craig Wighton will be playing Premiership football next season.

The loan signing from Hearts was the perfect mid-season fillip for the Championship part-timers, according to Caird. But he has warned Red Lichties fans not to get their hopes up about seeing him back at Gayfield next term.

And the same could apply to Dundee supporters who would like their Doon Derby hero to return to Dens Park.

Wighton’s three goals played a big part in Dick Campbell’s team pulling away from relegation danger and to the fringes of the promotion playoffs before the season was brought to a premature conclusion.

And the man who signed off the January deal believes it was a contribution that will ensure the 22-year-old will be playing top flight football again when the game returns.

Caird said: “We had a good win in Inverness but after that we had a bit of a dip.

“Craig came in at the perfect time. He scored important goals, including the winner against Dundee United, and brought a bit of class to the side.

“We were good for Craig as well. He’s been able to remind people what he’s capable of and he has led the line brilliantly. We knew we had to strengthen in that window and just by signing a player of that quality sent out a message.

“I don’t think it will be an option to get Craig back next season. We’d love to but if he doesn’t stay at Hearts I would expect him to be playing for another Premiership team.