Wright good time for Matthew

It has been a some start to the season for free-scoring Ross County Academy Graduate Matthew Wright.

Matthew, who has come through the youth ranks at the Global Energy Stadium has hit the ground running in his loan spell with Brora Rangers- with an impressive 15 goals since joining in Mid-August. Goals are also breeding confidence with each passing week for the young striker.

“It is great to be out there playing football regularly. During COVID last season it was difficult to get out on loan so to have this opportunity at Brora has been great for me personally.” Matthew said.

“One of the major benefits for me is that I can still train daily with the first team as well as training and playing with Brora. It’s now about using this platform to push my development to the next level” he added.

Goals Galore

Since joining Brora, Matthew has notched 15 goals and 3 assists, impressive within itself until we add that he has scored those goals in only 14 starts and 3 substitute appearances.

During that run there have been many key goals including a hat-trick in their local derby victory over Wick Academy earlier this season- certainly a match to make yourself an instant fan favourite.

Plying his trade in the Highland League has not only given Matthew regular game time, but also the opportunity to play against a varied and extensive type of opposition across the Highland League and in the Scottish Cup.

The Western Isles born youngster is relishing the challenges in front of him, “We have had a bit of a packed fixture list since I joined the club in August. We were in the North of Scotland Cup final but had to get through the quarter final and semi-final first and we have also had the Scottish Cup, so it’s given me a lot of opportunities to get competitive game time under my belt.”

“Its nice to contribute with the goals, especially getting a hat-trick against Wick, that was a great feeling. The main focus for me is now kicking on and making sure that the momentum doesn’t drop away and that I can continue to add to that goal tally.” he added.

Under the eye

Being out on loan can sometimes be a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’, however Ross County have had staff out at matches every week monitoring the progress of each individual.

As well as Matthew, Brora Rangers also have Academy Graduate Adam MacKinnon at Dudgeon Park with Logan Ross, Ben Williamson & Ryan MacLeman also out on loan in the Highland League with Lossiemouth, Nairn County and Clachnacuddin respectively.

The club’s Management ensure that each player is observed regularly to ensure they are making the best out of their opportunity in the Highland League.

Matthew is well aware of the eyes that are on him. He said “At most of my games I have an idea of who is there from the club and who is tracking my progress. It has been really useful as you can come in on a Monday after a game and whoever has watched you will give you feedback and direction.”

“For me it’s brilliant to have people watching the games I play, and I think all of the coaches have now seen me at Brora. It gives you encouragement, belief and I know they are there to help my development and keep me going in the right direction.”

Following a Pathway

Manager Malky Mackay was keen to get all of the Academy Graduates out on loan earlier this season to ensure that their development was coupled with key game time.

The Ross County Manager feels we are beginning to reap the rewards of their loan spells. He said, “I have been really impressed by how all five of the young players have gone out and settled in their loan clubs.”

“With Matthew, his goal return has been exceptional, and he is in a really good place where you can see him growing not only as a player but also as a young man. The same can be said for the other 4 as well, you see them developing as people as much as players.”

“Sometimes going out on loan can be a challenge but all five of them need to play games, and they need the real game experience to ensure they can keep on the pathway we have set out for them.”

“I see every day that we have some really talented youngsters here at this club and it’s our job to keep pushing them, to keep communicating with them and to keep getting along to their games so we can give them feedback to grow.”

Malky was also keen to praise the Highland League clubs who are working closely with his staff to ensure the players are achieving their potential. Malky said, “It is really important to recognise the clubs they have gone on loan to at this point as well. Brora have been great with both Matthew and Adam and the same for the staff at Lossiemouth, Nairn County and Clachnacuddin where the other boys are.”

“To put players out on loan you need to have trust and understanding, and we are very lucky to have that with firstly the young players but also with the clubs that they are working with.”