The Thistle Archive

Matthew, who has been with the Thistle Academy since he was 11, is a versatile midfielder who likes to get forward whenever possible. Goals-wise, he's well into double figures for the U-18s since being introduced during the 2022-23 season. Was part of the team which ran to the Scottish Cup Quarter Finals in 2023-24. Winning the Foyle Cup in July 2024 was a great highlight and it wasn't long after that when Matthew took over as captain following the promotion of Ché Campbell to the first team squad. The goals were flying in during 2024-25, with a number of highlights, not least of which was a League Cup hat-trick away to Alloa in August. Along with several of his academy mates, Matthew appeared at Reserves level in September 2024, playing (and scoring) alongside a number of first-teamers in a 2-2 Glasgow Cup draw versus a decent Queen's Park side. Another undoubted highlight came in October when his exquisite 25-yard free-kick in injury time put Thistle 4-3 up against Rangers in the Scottish Cup, the holders being k/o'd by 5 goals to 3 in the end. Just a few weeks later, all of Matthew's good work to date paid off when, aged 17, he signed a two-year modern apprenticeship with the club.

Speaking in late October 2024, Thistle manager Kris Doolan broke the signing news:

We’re excited to welcome Matthew to the squad as a modern apprentice. He’s made a cracking start to the season with the under 18s and working with the first team will only help his development further. The under 18s have been playing some very entertaining football at times this season and we’re always keeping tabs to see who might be ready to join the First Team squad. Matthew not only jumped out because he’s been scoring and creating goals but also because he’s been a leader who has shown a great attitude in his role as captain.

A pupil of St Ninian's High School (Giffnock), Matthew got the call up in late 2023 to represent Scotland at schoolboys level, and featured in a number of games throughout 2024. Another big landmark arrived at the tail end of 2024. With the Thistle bench being light due to injuries, Matthew got the nod to appear in the first team matchday squad for the visit to Livingston in mid-December. Away from the football, he enjoys a round of golf.