LUKE HENDRIE reckons his successful loan stint at Kilmarnock can be his springboard to becoming an English Premier League regular. 

The 22-year-old excelled at Rugby Park last term after a season-long switch from Burnley, making 33 appearances under Lee Clark and Lee McCulloch as Killie secured an eighth-place finish. 

Hendrie’s form north of the border was enough to earn him a 12-month contract extension from the Clarets and he will return to training next month determined to make his mark on Sean Dyche’s first-team squad. 

He said: “I loved it at Kilmarnock. I didn’t really know what to expect but I really benefited and learned a lot on and off the pitch.

“It was about playing first-team football and getting experience and I got a lot of that.

“Playing at Celtic Park in front of crowds like that was brilliant and coming back to Burnley for pre-season I will be a better player.”

Meanwhile, Frazer Wright has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37. The experienced defender made 131 appearances for St Johnstone and was part of the side which lifted the Scottish Cup for the first time in 2014.

Wright also turned out with distinction for Stranraer and Kilmarnock, before ending his playing days with stints at Dumbarton and, most recently, Stirling Albion. 

Wright has been named assistant manager of the Binos, and said: “Now I’ve made the step into management the time has come to retire from playing. 

“I’ve had a brilliant19 years and have some great highlights to look back on.

“Now for a new adventure.”