Partick vs Stirling Albion preview - Robertson in line for Jags return

Posted Saturday, January 15, 2011 by PA

Partick look set to welcome defender John Robertson back into their starting XI for the home match with Stirling Albion after Willie Kinniburgh and Jackie McNamara joined Conrad Balatoni on the sidelines.

Strikers Martin Grehan and Simon Donnelly are rated as having only a 50/50 chance of playing due to knocks, to leave Thistle resources stretched against a side that has beaten them twice in the league this season.

Firhill assistant manager Ian Maxwell said: "We did beat Stirling in the Scottish Cup but we haven`t done well enough against them in the league and hopefully we can put that right in this game.

"I saw them play against Falkirk recently and they put on a good show despite missing a few players. We need to play well to get anything from this one."

Stirling have added young Rangers midfielder Steven Stirling to their squad on loan.

Albion boss John O'Neill is also keen to bring in another new face before the game.

Long-term injured defenders Martyn Corrigan and Ross Forsyth are still out, but Paul McHale has agreed to extend his spell at the club and former Hibs midfielder Lee Currie will play another game as a trialist with O'Neill hoping former Hearts striker David Witteveen can be involved in a similar capacity.

O'Neill said: "I would like to have another body on loan before we kick off what will be a tough game.

"They have had a bit of a resurgence recently but hopefully we can put that to an end."