WRIGHT STUFF NOT JUST A ONE-OFF

FRAZER WRIGHT last night sent out a message of hope to every part-time player in the country after signing a new two-year contract at Kilmarnock.

The former Stranraer defender spent seven years as a part-timer before joining Killie in the summer and proving he has what it takes to make the grade at the top level.

Now Wright reckons there are plenty of players plying their trade in the lower leagues who may also get the chance as cash-strapped SPL clubs continue to tighten their belts. The Killie centre-back will be at the heart of Jim Jefferies' defence at Tynecastle today and will be up against another player who has made the leap from the First Division and gone even further than he has.

Wright has nothing but admiration for Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley, who has gone all the way from the First Division to the international stage

He said: "Paul has worked really hard. He was at Hamilton and St Johnstone but is now one of the top midfielders in the country and is playing for Scotland.

"I've got a lot of respect for him and what he has done. It shows it can be done.

"There are a number of good players out there who aren't getting the chance. They have maybe not made it in the SPL the first time and taken a step back. There is a lot of talent in the First Division."

Wright admits it took him time to adjust to the SPL and he even wondered if he had made a mistake by moving out of his comfort zone at Stranraer.

He added: "The first few months I was with Kilmarnock I was starting to wonder if I had done the right thing. But I have worked hard in the gym on my fitness and my body has changed shape dramatically from when I was part-time.

"My muscles are more toned and I have lost a lot of weight, just under a stone, so fair play to the manager for knowing to keep me out until he thought I was ready.

"If he had thrown me in right away my confidence could have been dented.

"I had to go to reserve games on Tuesday nights and I was going home thinking I could have stayed at Stranraer and been playing every week.

"But I had to make the best of my opportunity and the hard work has paid off.

"I thought I had missed the boat and was quite happy to go into the First Division with Stranraer.

"I was about to become a mechanic to get myself a trade because I didn't think anything was happening.

"While I was at Stranraer I worked in an electrical shop as a stockroom manager but it wasn't paying enough and I needed to find a new job."

That's when Kilmarnock came calling and offered him the opportunity he thought would never come.

Wright said: "I signed a one-year deal when I joined the club and they've now given me a new two-year contract.

"My wife had our first child, Ellie, last Saturday, so it's good to have a bit of security."

Today's clash with Hearts is crucial for both clubs and Wright can't wait to go back to a ground he believes creates the best atmosphere in Scotland.

He said: "I made my debut for Kilmarnock at Tynecastle and I still think that is the best atmosphere in the league.

"We're going for fourth while Hearts are going for second so it should be a good game."

Taken from the Daily Record