Paul Cairney

Paul Cairney (born 29 August 1987 in Glasgow) is a Scottish footballer who currently plays for Scottish League One side Stranraer.

Cairney has previously played for Queen's Park, Partick Thistle, Hibernian and Kilmarnock.

Career

Cairney was registered with St. Mirren as a youth player, but was released by the club aged 17. He then signed for amateur club Queen's Park and made his first senior appearance in December 2005. He began to play more frequently for the Spiders in the 2006–07 season and helped the club win promotion to the Second Division.

Cairney signed a three-year deal with Partick Thistle in 2008, but was loaned back to Queen's Park for six months. This loan was subsequently extended in January to the end of the 2008–09 season.

Cairney made his debut for Thistle in a Scottish Challenge Cup tie against Airdrie United, coming on as a substitute. His full and home debut came against Berwick Rangers in the Scottish League Cup. Cairney scored 12 goals for Thistle during the 2011–12 season, including a hat-trick in a 3–0 win against Dundee. He was nominated for player of the year in the 2011–12 Scottish First Division.