Dan O'Reilly relishing chance to lead by example at Partick Thistle

The Herald Scotland

16 hours ago

Stuart Bannigan, Brian Graham and David Mitchell had over 700 appearances between them in red-and-yellow, and all three have departed Firhill this summer.
It leaves 30-year-old O'Reilly as one of the seasoned veterans in the dressing room, and the centre-half is aware that there is more responsibility resting on his shoulders this term. Rather than shying away from it, though, it is a role the Irishman is relishing.
"Sometimes I forget I'm one of the older boys now,' he said. 'There's no secret, we've lost Brian, Banzo and Mitch. That's a lot of experience and it's important other players step up.
"We have to drive the standards. There's going to be a blend of youth and experience in the team. It's important the young boys have players around them that set the standards.
"We definitely need to step up and I do see myself as one of those experienced heads. I try and lead by example on and off the pitch and hopefully that seeps into the younger guys.
"There's going to be times when we're under pressure because of results and the likes of myself and Lee [Ashcroft] have to show the way."
Ashcroft, in particular, will be expected to lead by example. The defender was yesterday named as the Jags' new skipper following Graham's move to Falkirk, while Bannigan - who had been at the club for 14 years - upped sticks and signed for Ayr United.
(Image: GordonTerris/Herald&Times)
"Lee is a great choice,' O'Reilly said. 'I think he is a model professional and a leader.
"I've loved playing with him and you know what you're going to get from him all of the time. He drives standards and he's a great captain to have at the club.
"Obviously Brian was captain before and it is an important responsibility. Lee will take that on board.
"We have a nice balance playing together. We communicate well and I think we're similar in some ways but different in others.
"In terms of the spine of the team, I think we work well together. You need to always fight for shirt."
Bannigan's exit has understandably felt a little surreal for everyone connected to the club. A modern-day Thistle legend who was seen as part of the furniture at Firhill, there is an entire generation of Jags supporters who have never seen a Thistle team without the midfielder on the books.
O'Reilly admits that turning up to training - Thistle's players returned for pre-season last week - has been a little strange without Bannigan's presence.
"It's tough, especially when someone has been there for such a long time,' he explained. "He knows no different than Thistle. So it's probably as strange for us as it is for him.
"That's football though. You just have to get on with it. He was great for us last year, but him leaving presents opportunities to other players here.
"I'm excited to see other people stepping up and I've already seen people taking on other roles in the squad."
O'Reilly may well find himself taking on a new role this term. Thistle are in need of a vice-captain, after all, and as an experienced and reliable head, it would come as little surprise if the centre-back was given the nod.
"Maybe! We'll see what happens,' O'Reilly grinned when the proposition was put to him. 'If it did happen, I'd be delighted. But I do try and lead all the time anyway.
"It would mean a lot to get the armband on. There might be times when Lee is unavailable through injury or suspension and if the chance comes, I would love it."