Craig Wighton
{{short description|Scottish footballer}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Craig Wighton
| image =
| fullname = Craig Ross Wighton
| birth_place = Dundee, Scotland
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1997|7|27}}
| height =
| position = Forward
| currentclub = Montrose
(on loan from Dunfermline Athletic)
| clubnumber = 26
| youthyears1 = 2012–2013
| youthclubs1 = Dundee
| years1 = 2013–2018
| clubs1 = Dundee
| caps1 = 83
| goals1 = 7
| years2 = 2014–2015
| clubs2 = → Brechin City (loan)
| caps2 = 4
| goals2 = 2
| years3 = 2015–2016
| clubs3 = → Raith Rovers (loan)
| caps3 = 16
| goals3 = 1
| years4 = 2018–2021
| clubs4 = Heart of Midlothian
| caps4 = 27
| goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2020
| clubs5 = → Arbroath (loan)
| caps5 = 5
| goals5 = 3
| years6 = 2021
| clubs6 = → Dunfermline Athletic (loan)
| caps6 = 10
| goals6 = 6
| years7 = 2021–
| clubs7 = Dunfermline Athletic
| caps7 = 81
| goals7 = 21
| clubs8 = → Arbroath (loan)
| years8 = 2022
| caps8 = 13
| goals8 = 0
| years9 = 2025–
| clubs9 = → Montrose (loan)
| caps9 = 10
| goals9 = 1
| nationalyears1 = 2012
| nationalteam1 = Scotland U15
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2013
| nationalteam2 = Scotland U16
| nationalcaps2 = 3
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2013–2014
| nationalteam3 = Scotland U17
| nationalcaps3 = 14
| nationalgoals3 = 6
| nationalyears4 = 2015–2016
| nationalteam4 = Scotland U19
| nationalcaps4 = 5
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2017
| nationalteam5 = Scotland U20
| nationalcaps5 = 5
| nationalgoals5 = 1
| nationalyears6 = 2016–2018
| nationalteam6 = Scotland U21
| nationalcaps6 = 6
| nationalgoals6 = 0
| club-update = 17:00, 5 April 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 4 March 2019
}}
Craig Ross Wighton (born 27 July 1997) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a forward for {{Scottish football updater|Montrose}} club Montrose, on loan from {{Scottish football updater|DunfermA}} side Dunfermline Athletic. He has previously played for Dundee, Brechin City, Raith Rovers, Arbroath and Heart of Midlothian.
Club career
=Dundee=
==Youth==
While attending Harris Academy, Wighton was snapped by Dundee under the management of Barry Smith, the team he supported as a boy.{{cite news|title=John Brown: Wighton could join line-up|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/john-brown-wighton-could-join-line-up-1.80387|publisher=Evening Telegraph|date=29 March 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731153549/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/john-brown-wighton-could-join-line-up-1.80387|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=live}} He came through the same training clinic, run by Ian Cathro, as fellow Scottish prospects Ryan Gauld and John Souttar. Wighton revealed he turned down a move to local rivals Dundee United, as his family are Dundee supporters.{{cite news|title=Dundee starlet Craig Wighton reveals why he had to snub move to Tannadice|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/dundee-starlet-craig-wighton-reveals-3286706|publisher=Daily Record|last=McLean|first=Euan|date=26 March 2014|accessdate=31 July 2014}} While growing up, Wighton initially played out wide before joining Dundee, who then moved him into the striker position.{{cite news|title=Wighton on his and Scotland's learning curve|url=https://www.uefa.com/under17/news/0252-0ce4501674f0-12c101376673-1000--wighton-on-his-and-scotland-s-learning-curve/|publisher=UEFA|last=Kell|first=Tom|date=10 May 2014|access-date=31 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731184749/http://www.uefa.com/under17/news/newsid%3D2103438.html|archive-date=31 July 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}
Manager John Brown said in March 2013 that if Wighton continued his form at youth level he could soon make the first team, which could have meant him becoming the club's youngest-ever first-team player. His first team debut for the club was delayed due to SPL rules.{{cite news|title=Dundee FC put contract talks on hold|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/dundee-fc-put-contract-talks-on-hold-1.87765|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Kennedy|first=Liam|date=26 April 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731153906/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/dundee-fc-put-contract-talks-on-hold-1.87765|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}} Despite interest from elsewhere,{{cite news|title=Dundee boss confident of keeping young star|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-boss-confident-of-keeping-young-star-1.87536|publisher=The Courier|date=26 April 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731151609/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-boss-confident-of-keeping-young-star-1.87536|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=live}} Wighton signed his first professional contract on his 16th birthday.{{cite news|title=Bomber: Youngsters will get a chance|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/bomber-youngsters-will-get-a-chance-1.99652|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Kennedy|first=Liam|date=6 June 2013|accessdate=31 July 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731154510/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/bomber-youngsters-will-get-a-chance-1.99652|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}} After signing a professional contract, he left school to concentrate on his football career.{{cite news|title=Dundee boss keen for Craig Wighton to develop at Dens|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-boss-keen-for-craig-wighton-to-develop-at-dens-1.257482|publisher=The Courier|last=Robertson|first=Neil|date=7 March 2014|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040128/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-boss-keen-for-craig-wighton-to-develop-at-dens-1.257482|archivedate=8 August 2014 |url-status=live}}
==2013–14==
In the 2013–14 season, Wighton made his debut for the club, coming on as a substitute for Craig Beattie in the 81st minute, as Dundee beat Cowdenbeath 2–0 on 5 October 2013.{{cite news|title=Wighton staking claim for spot in Dundee team|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/wighton-staking-claim-for-spot-in-dundee-team-1.139061|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Flynn|first=Stephen|date=8 October 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808051356/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/wighton-staking-claim-for-spot-in-dundee-team-1.139061|archivedate=8 August 2014 |url-status=dead}} In his second appearance, Wighton set up two goals as Dundee beat Dumbarton 4–1 on 12 October 2013.{{cite news|title=MacDonald the main man as Dundee trounce Dumbarton|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/macdonald-the-main-man-as-dundee-trounce-dumbarton-1.141485|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Kennedy|first=Liam|date=14 October 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731161818/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/macdonald-the-main-man-as-dundee-trounce-dumbarton-1.141485|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=live}} He then made his first start for the club, as Dundee beat Queen of the South 2–1 on 19 October 2013.{{cite news|title=Craig Wighton set for first Dundee start|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/craig-wighton-set-for-first-dundee-start-1.143419|publisher=Evening Telegraph|date=18 October 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731161814/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/craig-wighton-set-for-first-dundee-start-1.143419|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}
He became the youngest-ever scorer in a competitive game for Dundee at the age of 16 years, three months and 13 days on 9 November 2013, beating the record held by Jocky Scott, scoring a goal in a 2–0 win against Raith Rovers.{{cite web|title=Sweet 16: Dundee's youngest scorers|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/sweet-16-dundee-s-youngest-scorers-1.153129|publisher=eveningtelegraph.co.uk|last=Duthie|first=Tom|date=14 November 2013|accessdate=6 May 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731163540/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/sweet-16-dundee-s-youngest-scorers-1.153129|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}} His second goal came on 14 April 2014, when he scored after six minutes, as Dundee beat Cowdenbeath 4–0.{{cite news|title=Match Report: Dundee 4 – 0 Cowdenbeath|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26898820|publisher=BBC Sport|date=12 April 2014|accessdate=31 July 2014}} Throughout his debut season he regularly contributed in the Dundee first team, making a total of 14 appearances and scoring two goals for the club, in all competitions{{cite web|title=soccerway|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/craig-wighton/306935/|publisher=soccerway.com|accessdate=6 May 2014}} as Dundee won the Scottish Championship. Throughout the season Wighton was linked with a move to Premier League clubs and Rangers.{{cite news|title=Swansea and Sunderland eye up Dundee teen Wighton|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/swansea-and-sunderland-eye-up-dundee-teen-wighton-1.140388|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Kennedy|first=Liam|date=10 October 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731161403/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/swansea-and-sunderland-eye-up-dundee-teen-wighton-1.140388|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Arsenal keep Dundee and United kids in their sights|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/arsenal-keep-dundee-and-united-kids-in-their-sights-1.159166|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Duthie|first=Tom|date=28 November 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731163153/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/arsenal-keep-dundee-and-united-kids-in-their-sights-1.159166|archivedate=31 July 2014 |url-status=dead}} At the end of the 2013–14 season, the club's manager Paul Hartley said he may consider loaning out Wighton to gain first team experience with the hope he could "do a Stevie May," the striker who Hartley had on loan at Alloa Athletic from St Johnstone in 2011–12 and had gone on to be a first team regular in the Scottish Premiership, earning a move to Sheffield Wednesday.{{cite news|title=Dundee may send Craig Wighton to do a Stevie May|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-may-send-craig-wighton-to-do-a-stevie-may-1.382688|publisher=The Courier|last=Robertson|first=Neil|date=22 May 2014|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808040124/http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/dundee-may-send-craig-wighton-to-do-a-stevie-may-1.382688|archivedate=8 August 2014 |url-status=live}}
==2014–15==
On 16 August 2014, Wighton scored his first Premiership goal as Dundee drew 1–1 with Partick Thistle,{{cite web|title=Dundee 1–1 Partick Thistle|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28716870|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Crawford|first=Kenny|date=16 August 2014|accessdate=16 August 2014}} although afterwards, Hartley said he didn't want to talk too much about Wighton, but did announce he had signed a new three-year contract.{{cite web|title=Craig Wighton: Dundee manager tries not to overhype youngster|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28820780|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Crawford|first=Kenny|date=16 August 2014|accessdate=16 August 2014}} As a result of his performance, the club decided not to send Wighton on loan.{{cite news|title=Dundee scrap plans to send Craig Wighton on loan|url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/500941/Dundee-scrap-plans-to-send-Craig-Wighton-on-loan|publisher=Daily Express|date=19 August 2014|accessdate=19 August 2014}}
On 18 December 2014, Wighton moved on a short-term loan to Brechin City.{{cite web|title=WIGHTON JOINS BRECHIN ON LOAN|url=http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/wighton-joins-brechin-on-loan|publisher=Dundee F.C.|date=18 December 2014|accessdate=20 December 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218220517/http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/wighton-joins-brechin-on-loan|archivedate=18 December 2014 |url-status=live}} After making his debut as a substitute he went on to score two in three starting appearances as well as aiding Brechin to a win over local rivals Forfar with a creative flick past the Forfar defence to assist Alan Trouten to his winning goal at Station Park.
==2015–16==
On 23 June 2015, after much speculation it was finally confirmed that Wighton had joined Raith Rovers on a six-month loan deal.{{cite web|title=WIGHTON JOINS RAITH ON LOAN|url=http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/wighton-joins-raith-on-loan|publisher=Dundee F.C.|date=23 June 2015|accessdate=23 June 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623142222/http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/wighton-joins-raith-on-loan|archivedate=23 June 2015 |url-status=live}} On 3 January 2016, it was confirmed that following Wighton's loan spell at Raith Rovers he had returned to Dundee.{{cite web|title=WIGHTON RETURNS FROM LOAN|url=http://www.dundeefc.co.uk/news/wighton-returns-from-loan|publisher=Dundee F.C.|date=3 January 2016|accessdate=3 January 2016}} Wighton managed to add 2 goals to his name after returning to the club from his loan spell, he came off the bench to score in an empathic 5-2 Victory over Ross County and more noticeably he scored a 93rd minute winning goal in a Dundee derby known as the "Doon Derby", a result which confirmed that rivals Dundee United would be relegated.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36566656 |title=Craig Wighton: Dundee striker signs new three-year deal |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=18 June 2016 |accessdate=18 June 2016}}
==2016–17==
Wighton signed a three-year contract with Dundee in June 2016.
Wighton picked up a Man of the Match award with an impressive performance in a 2-0 Victory over Motherwell having set up both goals.
After a frustrating season with the club just avoiding relegation Wighton revealed that his glimpses of quality throughout the season were not good enough as he was determined to show more consistency the season after.
==2017–18==
After impressing manager Neil McCann in pre-season, Wighton picked up a knee ligament injury which ruled him out for several months. A season which was described to be "Very Crucial" for Wighton's development and career, McCann also went on to say he was "heartbroken" for the youngster due to the situation.{{cite web|title=NEIL MCCANN HEARTBROKEN FOR DUNDEE FORWARD CRAIG WIGHTON AFTER LIGAMENT INJURY|url=https://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/fp/neil-mccann-heartbroken-dundee-forward-craig-wighton-ligament-injury/|publisher=The Evening Telegraph|date=26 July 2017|accessdate=31 July 2017}}
=Heart of Midlothian=
==2018–19==
Wighton moved to Heart of Midlothian for an undisclosed transfer fee in August 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45359018 |title=Craig Wighton: Forward joins Hearts from Dundee |first=Brian |last=McLauchlin |publisher=BBC Sport |date=30 August 2018 |accessdate=30 August 2018}}
==2019–20 & Arbroath==
He was dropped from the Hearts first team squad by Daniel Stendel in January 2020, and was then loaned to Arbroath.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51200844 |title=Hearts' Craig Wighton makes Arbroath loan switch |website=BBC Sport |date=22 January 2020 |accessdate=22 January 2020}} Wighton scored on his debut with the Lichties in a win over Partick Thistle.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51159022|title=Arbroath 2-1 Partick Thistle|last=Dewar|first=Heather|date=25 January 2020|website=BBC|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125231454/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51159022 |archive-date=25 January 2020 |access-date=25 January 2020}} After impressing in his short spell for the Lichties with 3 goals in 5 games, Wighton returned to Hearts in May due to the early curtailment of the 2019–20 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web|title=Thank you Craig Wighton|url=https://www.arbroathfc.co.uk/thank-you-craig-wighton/|last=|first=|date=7 May 2020|website=Arbroath FC|access-date=15 May 2020}}
==2020–21==
Wighton scored his first goals for Hearts when he scored a hat-trick in a Scottish League Cup tie against Raith Rovers.{{cite web |title=Hearts 3-1 Raith|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54530773|website=BBC |accessdate=20 December 2020}} He went on to play for Hearts as a substitute in the 2020 Scottish Cup Final, however he had his penalty in the shootout saved by Conor Hazard as Hearts ultimately lost.{{cite web |title=Celtic 3-3 Hearts|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55291058|website=BBC |accessdate=20 December 2020}}
=Dunfermline Athletic=
On 4 February 2021, Wighton agreed to sign a pre-contract with Dunfermline Athletic{{Cite web |date=4 February 2021 |title=Craig Wighton: Dunfermline sign Hearts man on pre-contract |url=https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/sport/19064781.craig-wighton-dunfermline-sign-hearts-man-pre-contract/ |access-date=4 February 2021 |publisher=dunfermlinepress.com}} and a week later, signed on loan for the club for the remainder of the 2020–21 season.{{cite web |date=12 February 2021 |title=Craig Wighton arrives on loan |url=https://dafc.co.uk/story.php?t=Craig_Wighton_arrives_on_loan&ID=12852 |accessdate=12 February 2021 |publisher=Dunfermline Athletic FC}}
== Arbroath (loan) ==
On 14 January 2022, Wighton once again joined Scottish Championship table-toppers Arbroath on loan for the remainder of the season.{{Cite web|date=2022-01-14|title=Craig Wighton|url=https://www.arbroathfc.co.uk/craig-wighton-returns/|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Arbroath FC|language=en-GB}}
== Return to first team ==
On 14 April 2023, during a successful campaign in Scottish League One the following season under new manager and former teammate James McPake during which he had his highest-scoring season yet, Wighton signed a new two-year contract with the Pars to remain at the club until 2025.{{Cite web |title=New deal for Craig Wighton {{!}} Dunfermline Athletic Football Club |url=https://dafc.co.uk/story.php?t=New_deal_for_Craig_Wighton&ID=14326&fbclid=IwAR2ol-MGk1e0GH5DHbuKJEajG_HYeP8qHcNp3EGDzVOVCUBzskrhFUpQKuE |access-date=2023-04-14 |website=dafc.co.uk}} The next day, Wighton would score a brace in a 5–0 rout of Queen of the South at East End Park which officially confirmed Dunfermline as Scottish League One champions.{{Cite news |title=Dunfermline crowned League 1 champions after rout |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65217969 |access-date=2023-04-15}} Wighton would finish the season with 20 goals, his highest total in his career.
After scoring 6 goals in 24 appearances the following season including 5 goals in the Championship, Wighton suffered a knee injury in February 2024 in a game against Greenock Morton, which manager McPake confirmed would likely rule him out for the remainder of the season, though he would return in the last game as a substitute.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-15 |title=Pars star's 'season is over' reveals boss |url=https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/sport/24123177.dunfermline-james-mcpake-reveals-craig-wightons-season/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Dunfermline Press |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ayr United 3-3 Dunfermline Athletic: Side share six-goal thriller |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cjewjvw5re9t |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
== Montrose (loan) ==
On 6 February 2025, Wighton joined Scottish League One club Montrose on loan until the end of the season.{{Cite web |title=GABLE ENDIES LAND WIGHTON ON HALF SEASON LOAN DEAL {{!}} Montrose Football Club |url=https://montrosefc.co.uk/2025/02/06/gable-endies-land-wighton-on-half-season-loan-deal/ |access-date=2025-02-06 |website=montrosefc.co.uk}} He made his debut for the Gable Endies two days later in a league draw at home to Alloa Athletic.{{Cite web |title=Montrose vs Alloa Athletic: Scottish League One stats & head-to-head |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/ce8y24deg4nt |access-date=2025-02-08 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}} On 15 March, Wighton scored his first goal for Montrose in a home league game against Cove Rangers.{{Cite web |title=Montrose vs Cove Rangers: Scottish League One stats & head-to-head |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c7vzm62vrzjt |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}
Style of play
His then teammate at Dundee, Gavin Rae said Wighton's playing style reminds him of Aaron Ramsey, who Rae played alongside in his time at Cardiff City.{{cite news|title=Young Dundee star reminds Rae of Arsenal top man Ramsey|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/young-dundee-star-reminds-rae-of-arsenal-top-man-ramsey-1.152655|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Flynn|first=Stephen|date=13 November 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029194143/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/young-dundee-star-reminds-rae-of-arsenal-top-man-ramsey-1.152655|archivedate=29 October 2014 |url-status=live}} Then assistant Manager Ray Farningham described Wighton as "one of the top young prospects in the Scottish game."{{cite news|title=Wighton's confidence won't be knocked|url=http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/wighton-s-confidence-won-t-be-knocked-1.161100|publisher=Evening Telegraph|last=Duthie|first=Tom|date=4 December 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029192559/http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/sport/dundee-fc/wighton-s-confidence-won-t-be-knocked-1.161100|archivedate=29 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}
International career
Wighton represented the Scotland Under-15 side once and also played for the Under-16's.{{cite web|title=Craig Wighton player profile|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=1848&playerID=122962&squadID=13|publisher=Scottish FA|accessdate=16 August 2014}}
He was chosen to be part of the Scotland Under-17 squad for the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.{{cite web|title=Scotland U17 squad named for Euro elite round|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1962&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=13175|publisher=scottishfa.co.uk|accessdate=6 May 2014}} On 23 September 2013, Wighton scored a hat-trick (the first in his professional career), as Scotland beat Slovenia Under-17 3–1.{{cite news|title=Slovenia U17 1 Scotland U17 3: Hat-trick for Dundee striker Craig Wighton|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-fc/slovenia-u17-1-scotland-u17-3-hat-trick-for-dundee-striker-craig-wighton-1.134257|publisher=The Courier|date=24 September 2013|accessdate=31 July 2014}} Scotland made it through to the semi-final, however they were eliminated from the competition as they lost 5–0 to the Netherlands.{{cite web|title=Netherlands 5–0 Scotland: Positives for U-17s|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/latest/netherlands-5-0-scotland-positives-for-u-17s-1-3415068|publisher=The Scotsman|last=Stewart|first=Craig P.|date=19 May 2014|accessdate=16 August 2014}}
Wighton was selected for the under-20 squad in the 2017 Toulon Tournament.{{ cite web | title = Scotland squad for Toulon announced | url = http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=1957&newsCategoryID=6&newsID=16955 | publisher = Scottish Football Association | date = 17 May 2017 | access-date = 1 July 2022 }} The team secured the bronze medal,{{cite web |url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scotland-finish-third-at-toulon-tournament-with-3-0-win/ | title = Scotland finish third at Toulon Tournament with 3-0 win | publisher = Scottish Football Association | date = 10 June 2017 | access-date = 1 July 2022}} the nations first ever medal at the competition.{{ cite web | title = JULES AND HOLSGROVE TAKE BRONZE WITH SCOTLAND IN TOULON | url = https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/2017/june/jules-and-holsgrove-take-bronze-with-scotland-in-toulon/ | publisher = Reading FC | date = 11 June 2017 | access-date = 1 July 2022 }} He chosen for the under-21 squad in the 2018 Toulon Tournament,{{ cite web | title=Scotland Under-21 squad announced for Toulon tournament | url = https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scotland-under-21-squad-announced-for-toulon-tournament/ | publisher = Scottish Football Association | date = 3 May 2018 | access-date = 1 July 2022 }} The team lost to Turkey in a penalty-out and finished fourth this time.{{ cite web | url = https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scotland-finish-fourth-at-the-toulon-tournament-after-shoot-out-defeat-to-turkey/ | title = Scotland finish fourth at the Toulon tournament after shoot-out defeat to Turkey | publisher = Scottish Football Association | date = 10 June 2018 |access-date = 1 July 2022 }}
Career statistics
{{Updated|match played 5 April 2025}}{{soccerway|craig-wighton/306935}}
{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
Honours
;Dundee
;Hearts
Dunfermline Athletic
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Soccerway|craig-wighton/306935}}
{{Montrose F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wighton, Craig}}
Category:Scottish men's footballers
Category:Scottish Professional Football League players
Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers
Category:Men's association football forwards
Category:People educated at Harris Academy
Category:Brechin City F.C. players
Category:Raith Rovers F.C. players
Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers
Category:Heart of Midlothian F.C. players
Category:Arbroath F.C. players
Category:Dunfermline Athletic F.C. players