PROUD Partick Thistle keeper Thorsten Stuckmann admits he is standing even taller – because his sons no longer have to see their dad sitting on the bench.
The giant 6ft 6in stopper takes over as the Jags No 1 after Ryan Scully suffered a shoulder injury which could keep him out for months. Stuckmann has every sympathy for his rival but is just relieved his two boys no longer have to see him looking glum on the sidelines.
The German quit former club Preston and moved down a division because he hated bringing his sons to matches just to see him kicking his heels amongst the substitutes.
However, he was forced to leave his family down south as he sought a way back into the game following his release by Doncaster in the summer.
Stuckmann now has his chance with Thistle and will be the Firhill side’s last line of defence when they host Aberdeen tonight.
But he is already looking to the November 26 clash with Rangers when his lads will finally get to see him action for Alan Archibald’s team.
The 35-year-old said: “It’s never nice to see someone getting stretchered off the pitch. I’ve been there before myself so I hope Scully gets back fit soon. But on the other hand, I’m happy to play now. I can’t hide that and I don’t want to.”
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