CHAMPIONSHIP COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF

LEWIS BUDINAUCKAS has as much chance of going under the radar as Partick Thistle mascot Kingsley in the gear he has been kitted out in.

- BY ALAN ROBERTSON

But the 23-year-old says he's done with life in the shadows - even if it helped shed light on how to act like a No.1 on and off the pitch.

Budinauckas has returned to Firhill on a permanent basis following his Rangers exit, having been drafted in on loan for the final few months of last season.

Son of former Jags keeper Kevin, he spent 16 years in the Light Blues setup learning from stalwarts such as Allan McGregor and Jack Butland.

He saw the stand-up way in which the latter responded to being dropped for Liam Kelly and had a setback of his own when former No.1 David Mitchell regained his berth for the playoffs.

With the competitive action less than a week away, Mitchell has joined Ayr and Budinauckas is seeking to make a lasting impression beyond those created on a series of loans.

Sporting a strip that would give Mexico keeper Jorge Campos' World Cup 94 kit a run for its money, he laughed and said: "It's very colourful. It's out there but it's different and I like it - so why not?

"It made a big difference being here last year, it's been a seamless transition.