Ross County defender Akil Wright relishing added spotlight of Scotland’s top flight – with goal of the season contenders ramping up praise for former Wrexham and Stockport County man
Ross County defender Akil Wright admits he needed an adjustment period when moving north of the border – but he is now relishing the extra spotlight that comes with Scotland’s top flight.
Wright has been ever-present in the Staggies’ Premiership campaign, immediately impressing the fanbase with his defensive acumen and composure on the ball.
It was meant to be the next step forward in a career that had seen Wright confined to tiers four to six of the English football pyramid.
The move to Dingwall has certainly delivered on that, with the 28-year-old proving his quality on his way to becoming one of just two outfield players in the league to have played every single minute.
It did not always feel so straightforward for the ex-Stockport County man though, who explained: “It has been up and down in terms of results, but it is all a learning curve. It is a different type of football for me in Scotland.
“In League Two, you don’t get that much recognition. Here, anything you do, positive or negative, it gets out there. It’s a lot different, but I like it a lot.
“It took me a while to get to grips with the style, if I’m honest, but eventually I’ve started to adjust to it pretty well. It has definitely reached another level.
“The tempo the game is played is the main thing. Also we have a lot more breaks between matches here than in England, which is constantly Saturday-Tuesday, so teams are a lot fresher going into games.”
Wright has certainly been making a name for himself since the turn of the year, with goal of the season contenders against Aberdeen and Dundee.
For someone who is more used to scoring headers or tap-ins, it has been a completely new experience – and under the extra spotlight of Scottish Premiership football has naturally been inundated with messages about his strikes.
“I got a good response – but a surprised response as well!” Wright said.
“A few were asking ‘what’s going on?’ They’ve never seen that from me in their lives.
“It was family, friends and supporters from ex-clubs as well – I’ve had some jokingly asking me where was this when you were at Stockport?
“It was nice to see and it gives me extra confidence knowing that I can do it.
“The Dundee one is in the top two in my career! The Pittodrie one from 30 yards is definitely top and that one on Saturday is second.
“I’m not used to seeing that and knowing I might be in the little end of season compilation for goal of the season, two goals rather than one or none! It’s not what I’m used to but I’m buzzing with it.”
While Wright has been hitting headlines for his exploits in front of goal, he has quietly been one of the most impressive defenders in the division this season.
Leading the league in interceptions, a top-10 player for successful tackles and being successful in around two-thirds of his duels – a figure higher than over 80 percent of players in the Premiership – he has not forgotten his priority of keeping goal out.
“I do take pride in my defending, that’s what I’m here to do at the end of the day,” Wright added.
“First and foremost, I need to make sure I’m defending properly. A goal is a bonus and when you score and win games at the same time, it does make it even better.
“I’m not sure that it is the best I’ve ever played, but it is up there. I feel like I might have had better seasons when I was a lot younger, but I feel like I’m still 21, physically.
“It does make everything I experienced in the lower leagues in England worthwhile.
“You think about where you were and how far you’ve come up to now and I just want to embrace it at this point – and show I am here for a reason.
“I’m not here to make up the numbers. I want to play here and showcase myself as well as doing well for the club.”
