Good problem: loanee provides selection headache for Airdrie boss after fine save

The Diamonds have Rangers loanee Kieran Wright and Hibs loanee Murray Johnson vying for the starting goalkeeper spot. Airdrie player-manager Rhys McCabe admits he is unsure who will be his No. 1 goalkeeper this season after Wright made a spectacular save in their win over Queen of the South on Saturday.

McCabe faces a tough decision with both Wright and Johnson competing for the position ahead of next weekend’s Championship opener at home against Raith Rovers. Each has played two games in the group stages of the Premier Sports Cup. The 19-year-old Johnson guarded the net for the 8-0 win over East Kilbride and the 2-1 loss to Aberdeen, while the 24-year-old Wright played in the 4-3 victory over Dumbarton and the 2-0 win over Queen of the South, which secured their spot in the cup’s last 16.

Wright’s remarkable save at 0-0 on Saturday, denying Kieran McKechnie from close range, has given McCabe much to ponder, especially since Johnson was previously trusted during a loan spell in 2022.

McCabe commented, “Kieran’s save probably stems from our own mistakes, but that’s his job. He’s there to make crucial saves, even when he’s not been involved for a long period. Credit to him, that save was key to our clean sheet.

“There will be decisions to make not just for the goalkeeper position but throughout the squad. We will assess that in training. If someone is underperforming or being lazy and the second choice is ready to step in, that’s what will happen. We need drive and competition for places across the squad. If we maintain that, our standards will improve. As a club, a team, and as a manager, we strive for high standards.”

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