BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Partick Thistle forward Ryan Stevenson is hoping his first goal of the season can thrust him back into Alan Archibald’s plans, despite admitting it was a complete fluke.
Stevenson climbed off the bench to notch a bizarre 90th minute winner in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Inverness.
The former Hearts playmaker’s left-footed cross from the touchline deceived goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams after Jags striker Mathias Pogba took a fresh air swipe at the ball from inside the six yard box.
Stevenson has only made six Premiership starts for Thistle this season but he hopes his weekend contribution will enhance his chances of earning a first team recall.
Stevenson said: “When I picked the ball up it was about putting it into an area, it was my weaker foot as well.
“When you’re growing up you get taught and coached to just try and get the ball into the back post and lucky enough Mathias’ finish was that bad that it’s managed creep in so I’m delighted to get off the mark.”
Speaking to BBC Sportscene, he added: “I’ve not played as much as I wanted to play this season; when I come on I have to try and make an impact and show the manager I should be playing.
“That’s what I will continue to do. A big part of my game is scoring goals and even though it’s a fluke, I am happy just to get off the mark and hopefully there will be more to come.
“You want to try and break your duck quite quick in the season but not playing as much as I would like, it’s taken a bit longer.
“Hopefully now that I’ve got one I can force my way into the team and get more.”
