KEVIN HOLT reckons he could have hardly wished for a better start at Partick Thistle after winning the club’s Player of the Month award for August.

The 28-year-old defender has quickly established himself as one of the first names on Ian McCall’s team sheet and has excelled in central defence.

Holt has made a nuisance of himself at the other end too, chipping in with three goals already for the Jags – with all three arriving via Kyle Turner deliveries from corners.

The man himself was pleasantly surprised to win the supporters’ vote, and is hoping that Thistle can chalk up a fourth Championship victory of the season this afternoon when they face table-toppers Inverness in the Highlands – even if Turner might be getting a little too much attention for his liking.

“I couldn’t have had a better start really – apart from the Arbroath game [where Thistle lost 3-1],”  said Holt, speaking after collecting the club's McCrea Financial Services Player of the Month award for August, voted for by supporters.

Glasgow Times:

“I didn’t expect to get the award. A lot of boys have done well since we came in. I was shocked – it was actually my mum that saw my name was up as one of the four [nominees].

“My mum sent me a photo, just a screenshot off Facebook or something. I hope she voted for me right enough! I don’t know [if she will have], Kyle has been playing quite well and she might have thought he’s been playing better than me.

“The fans’ vote is up there with the players’ vote at the end of the season; they’re the two that mean the most to you. They’re the ones that come and watch every game – to know that they’re voting for you and the like the way you’re playing, it’s encouraging. It definitely gives me a boost.”

READ MORE: Ian McCall outlines Stephen Hendrie hopes as Inverness clash beckons

As well giving Thistle fans a dependable presence at the back, Holt has also inspired a new chant from the Firhill crowd. Set to the tune of Spandau Ballet’s Gold (think Kevin Holt, HOLT!), he admits it’s a toe-tapper, even if it’s a little unoriginal.

“To be fair I had the same one at Queens, so maybe the fans have stolen that one off them,” he laughs. “But aye, it’s a catchy one.”

Partick Thistle's Player of the Month Awards for season 2021/22 are proudly sponsored by McCrea Financial Services - visit www.mccreafs.co.uk to find out more.