'Supremely talented' former Celtic star answers SOS call from ex team-mate in major boost to club's title bid
Three-time Celtic title winner signs for a new club after spending six weeks without a team following his exit from Ross County
A three-time former Celtic title winner has ended his search to find a new club after being sent an SOS by his former Dundee United team-mate and current Partick Thistle boss Mark Wilson.
Gary Mackay-Steven has been a free agent since leaving fellow second-tier side Ross County last month, but has now emerged from the footballing wilderness after agreeing to sign for the Jags on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
The twice-capped Scotland international, 35, joins up with the Championship title hopefuls for the remaining six league games of the campaign after spending the past couple of days in training with Wilson’s injury-hit squad.
Gary Mackay-Steven’s career path in focus
Originally from the Highlands, Mackay-Steven began his senior career with Airdrieonians before being snapped up by Dundee United in 2011. His performances across a three-and-a-half year stay at Tannadice earned him a move to Celtic, where he went on to score 10 goals in 62 appearances in addition to clinching three Premiership titles.
Since departing the Hoops, Mackay-Steven has turned out for Aberdeen, New York City, Hearts, Kilmarnock and most recently the Staggies, whom second-top Thistle ironically face in a crucial league clash at Firhill this evening.
A victory over Stuart Kettlewell’s side would ensure they cut St Johnstone’s lead at the top of the table to just two points.
What has Gary Mackay-Steven said about joining Partick Thistle?
Mackay-Steven has vowed to assist Thistle’s title challenge in any way possible. Speaking to the club’s in-house media channel Jagzone, he explained how the move came about and what he hopes to contribute over the coming weeks.
“Absolutely delighted,” he said. “There’s a great buzz about the place and exciting end of the season coming up for the boys. They've had a great season so far so I’m absolutely delighted to join them.
“I got a phone call at the weekend just asking what my plans were and what was going on with my situation. I stay in Glasgow and I’m fit and raring to go. I obviously left Ross County a month or so ago, so I’m maybe not match fit quite yet.
“But if I can be of assistance to the boys in any shape or form to the end of season, it was music to my ears. I jumped at the chance and spent a few days with them. I’m just glad to be part of it.”
What has Partick Thistle boss Mark Wilson said?
Thistle head coach Wilson, who is without Logan Chalmers, Tony Watt and Oisin Smyth for the remainder of the season due to injury, had made the move to bolster his threadbare attacking options after Mackay-Steven impressed on trial.
He commented: “Gary is someone I played with at Dundee United and he has always been a supremely talented player. I got in touch with him recently to find out what his situation was after leaving Ross County and he was very keen to come in and train.
“We’re obviously a bit light on numbers at the moment, especially in the wide areas, and Gary represents a very useful option on the wing. He’s been without a club for about six weeks so he’ll not be match sharp straight away but I can tell he’s eager to contribute as quickly as possible.”
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