Dad’s faith proved to be Wright stuff for Ross County teenager Matthew Wright
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MATTHEW Wright wants to use his Brora Rangers loan to complete the journey to the Ross County first team – and repay his family’s faith.
The young striker from the Western Isles, who has hit 14 goals in 12 games for the Highland League side, was scouted and signed by the Staggies at 14.
Travelling from Point village near Stornoway was no easy task, but dedicated dad Alex would spend hours accompanying his son on road and sea trips.
All focus, now, is on taking the pathway manager Malky Mackay has set out for him towards a first team breakthrough.
“From a young age, I always knew I wanted to be a footballer,” the 18-year-old said. “My dad played for over 30 years for Point FC and he played a big role in developing me. I played for Point up to under 18 and won top goalscorer and player of the year awards.
“I was away with the North of Scotland schools team at 14 when Ross County spotted me and offered a three-year year contract.
“That first year, my dad and I would travel on the ferry, train with the team on Saturday, play Sunday, and then head back home.
“Sometimes the ferry wouldn’t get in until 5am before school on the Monday. It was a lot of sacrifice to give me the best chance they could and I can’t thank them enough.”
At 15, Wright moved to digs in Dingwall, prospering in the youths and reserves despite six months out with a broken ankle. His first team debut came against Rangers in December last year.
Mackay has now tasked Wright with experiencing men’s football as the next step and he is loving it at Brora.
“To be playing regularly against men is brilliant and hopefully it will help continue to develop my game. My goal is to keep scoring and use this experience to go and play at the highest level.”
