THE challenge of emerging from Kingsley’s spiky shadow is a daunting one for any footballer at Firhill just now.

Partick Thistle’s ‘distinctive’ yellow mascot, complete with monobrow and menacing stare, caused a social media sensation from Maryhill to Melbourne when he was unveiled last month.

But while Jags boss Alan Archibald remains good-natured about the explosion of interest generated by artist David Shrigley’s creation, there is a definite vibe that it is time to get back to business.

To that end, the signing of David Amoo, in the face of fierce competition from financially better-placed clubs in England, is a statement of intent for the season ahead.

The winger came through the ranks at Liverpool, after impressing Anfield scouts as a youth at Millwall.

That pedigree, coupled with the promise and goalscoring knack demonstrated during the past two years spent at Carlisle, made the 24-year-old a key target for the Scottish Premiership side.

The admiration was mutual and Amoo revealed that he had made up his mind weeks ago to continue his career north of the border.

Amoo, who averaged better than a goal every five games from his wide position at Carlisle, said: “My agent had been speaking to Thistle for quite a few weeks.

“If it hadn’t been for the fact that I was away on holiday, I would have joined the club earlier.

“As soon as I got back, I was desperate to sign and get started.

“One of my good friends, Alex Cooper, plays for Falkirk and he filled me in on Scottish football and what to expect.

“We came through the ranks together at Liverpool and he had nothing but positive things to say about Thistle and Scottish football in general.”

As well as consulting his contemporaries, Amoo called upon the memories of past chats with veterans of the Scottish football scene who plied their trade at Carlisle’s Brunton Park.

“Plenty of Scottish players came down,” recalled the wide-man. “It must be because Carlisle is so close!

“I played with Lee Miller and Nacho Novo at Carlisle, so I had a fair knowledge of Scottish football before the gaffer got in touch.”

When current Thistle manager Archibald invited Amoo to make the short journey across the border, the player also picked the brains of a former Firhill assistant boss.

He revealed: “Davie Irons was the Carlisle No.2 for my first season at the club, so I guess I knew more about Thistle than 90 per cent of players in England.”

Amoo was coy when asked if any individual Liverpool players had been an inspiration during his time at Anfield, but accepted that the legendary Anfield club had provided a great grounding.

He recalled: “I didn’t look up to anyone in particular, but obviously just being around guys like Stevie Gerrard in training was fantastic.

"Liverpool taught me a lot of good habits and, hopefully, Thistle fans will see the benefits of that.

“I like to get on the ball and run at players, as well as getting in good crosses and scoring a few as well.

“I have set myself a goals target but I am keeping it to myself just now.”

And as for grabbing more headlines than Kingsley?

“Well, I haven't met him yet, but I think that would be a tough ask!”