Partick Thistle striker Martin Grehan has a point to prove

Feb 3 2010 By Fraser Wilson

Martin Grehan

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PARTICK THISTLE new boy Martin Grehan is desperate to show Motherwell were wrong to ditch him two years ago by becoming a Firhill fans' favourite.  

Striker Grehan completed his move from Stirling Albion to Partick in time to take his place on the bench as Thistle went down 2-1 at Inverness on Saturday.

And the 25-year-old is eager not to pass up a second crack at full time football after signing a two-and-a-half year deal with the Jags.

Grehan was all set to sign a pre-contract agreement with Partick and stay with Stirling until the summer before the cash-strapped second division outfit decided to accept a small fee to accelerate the transfer.

Grehan, who gave up his job as a youth worker to sign for Thistle, said: "This is a great move for me and came out of the blue to be honest.

"I played in a friendly against Partick about three weeks ago and did quite well but it was a complete shock when my agent phoned me to say Ian McCall was interested.

"I was just concentrating on helping Stirling win promotion to the first division but when a deal was agreed between the clubs I jumped at the chance to move because you can't pass these things up.

"There was a rumour Falkirk were also interested but there was never an official approach and it could just have been paper talk.

"I'm just happy to be a Partick Thistle player and I know Ian McCall will improve my game.

"When I signed for Motherwell from the juniors two years ago I had big ambitions. But I was never given a fair chance.

"I scored two goals in four games for the reserves and was then sent on loan to a struggling Forfar side.

"When I returned to Motherwell Scott Leitch told me it would be best if I found a club where I would get a game.

"That's when I moved to Stirling but I couldn't really understand why I was never given a chance at Motherwell."

Grehan - dubbed Paolo at Stirling for his Nutini-esque hairstyle - was on song for the Binos from the moment he signed 18 months ago.

In total he hit 19 goals for Alan Moore's men - seven of those this season.

But he doesn't see himself as a out-and-out goalscorer.

He said: "I think I'm more of a link-up player, taking the ball from midfield and creating chances.

"Don't get me wrong, I always fancy myself to get on the scoresheet but I like to work outside the box too.

"I know Ian McCall will make me a better player and that I will have to bide my time to get in the team.

"I'm working extra hard in training to try and build up my strength for the rigors of full time football. It's quicker and stronger than I'm used to but the physio, Kenny Crichton, says he will turn me into a beast in no time!

"I just have to wait for my chance and take it when it comes along. Thistle have a great support and I can't wait to play in front of them."