Partick Thistle fans might not know too much about the club’s latest attacking addition after Wes McDonald signed a one-year contract with the cinch Championship outfit earlier this week – but manager Kris Doolan believes that they will quickly see a few similarities between the winger and Aidan Fitzpatrick.
The Jags boss added McDonald and Aberdeen youngster Kieran Ngwenya to his squad – although he is still on the lookout for one more recruit – ahead of this afternoon’s trip to Airdrie.
McDonald, 26, could make his bow for his new club this afternoon if Thistle receive international clearance in time but no matter when he features for the Jags, Doolan is confident that the Londoner is a player that will quickly win over supporters.
“He’ll be exciting, I think,” Doolan said. “He’s very direct and he can play on either wing. You’ll see during our games that whenever he picks the ball up he runs at people.
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“Wes is a bit like Aidan Fitzpatrick – he has a turn of pace. He’s not a young kid, though. He’s played something like 150 senior games and been at some big clubs. But as an out-and-out wide player, he can be thrilling to watch and he gives us something different.
“Wes is very creative and I see him fitting into that Stevie Lawless mould because he also goes at defenders. He’s trained very well since he’s arrived and he’s fitted in very well.
“I first tried to sign him at the end of last season but these things always take longer than you think. We’re hoping that his international clearance comes through in time – it can take 10 minutes or five days – because if it does he’ll be involved against Airdrie.”
The man himself is looking forward to getting going at Thistle after being impressed with the free-flowing, attacking football on display during the Jags’ run in the Premiership play-offs last term. And McDonald, who spent last season at Hartlepool United in England’s League Two, admits that a word of advice from a team-mate helped convince him on the move.
“I spoke to Sena Niang, who had three seasons at Firhill, and he spoke highly of the place,” McDonald said.
“It’s been a pretty busy few days for me. I’ve had a couple of training sessions with the boys now and it’s been good. Personally, I definitely look at myself as an exciting player – I create opportunities, create goals and score goals too.
“Of course, the main thing is taking all three points every week. Thistle is a massive club and I want to help them get back into the Premiership.
“I’ve watched a few of Thistle’s games and I know how unlucky they were not to go up via the play-offs last season. They have a good style of play and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m an attacking player and what the gaffer has told me, I think what he wants to do will suit my own style, which will be good for me for sure.”
McDonald faced a lengthy wait from initially learning of Thistle’s interest to finalising his move to the Wyre Stadium At Firhill, and the Englishman is relieved to have sorted out his future at long last.
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“In football, you can often hear of an interest from someone long before the season starts but at least it’s all done now and I’m just looking to come in and help the team win games,” McDonald added.
“Brian Graham, the skipper, has been the most welcoming. He jumps out first because he’s very vocal and he’s a good lad but everyone has been welcoming. I know a few players who have played with Brian and I’m just looking forward to getting on the pitch with him.
“No one’s played any pranks on me yet but I’m still getting used to the fines system so I’ve already lost a few pounds here and there! I’ve only ever been to Scotland once before but I’m from London and Glasgow is also a big city, so there hasn’t been too much of a difference for me.”
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