Rangers striker Juan Alegria made his first-team debut for Partick Thistle as he came on as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with Arbroath in the Scottish Championship.
The Colombian striker, 19, is on loan at the Firhill club for the rest of the season and started on the bench as the club travelled to Dick Campbell’s Premiership hopefuls at Gayfield.
Juan Alegria replaced Tunji Akinola at half-time in the clash and the early signs suggest the ex-FC Honka striker left a positive impression on the Firhill faithful.
Colin Hamilton had given the Smokies an early lead in the match as he slid the ball under Jamie Sneddon before Ciaran McKenna netted a second half equaliser.
Juan Alegria wasn’t the only Rangers player involved for Partick Thistle either, as Ibrox defender Lewis Mayo started for the Jags in what turned out to be a well earned point.
The result leaves Partick Thistle in 4th in the Scottish Championship, nine points off leaders Arbroath in 1st but with three games in hand.
Rangers loanee Juan Alegria makes Partick Thistle debut
Partick Thistle boss Ian McCall spoke about bringing on Juan Alegria at halftime come the final whistle.
“I thought we were growing into it towards the end of the first half but we still felt we needed to change some things,” said McCall [PTFC].
“We brought Richard and Juan on and changed the shape as well and it definitely put us in a better position.
“We got the midfielders involved in the game a lot more and having Juan up front alongside Brian Graham gave them something a but extra to think about and it just freed up some more space.
“The draw keeps us in the fight. Losing would have made it really difficult for us but getting a draw just keeps us in a decent position.
“Now we’ve got a couple of big home games to contend with and if we can get positive results from those then we’ll put some real pressure on the teams at the top.”
Speaking of Rangers and strikers, read about how the Ibrox side narrowly missed out on the deadline day signing of an Italian international.
