Partick Thistle ace Buchanan targets Queens after helping down Rangers

Dec 21 2009 By Fraser Wilson

Liam Buchanan

LIAM BUCHANAN stepped up his bid for a Boxing Day return after helping Partick Thistle to a closed doors victory over Rangers.

Buckie, who has been out injured since undergoing a hernia op five weeks ago, played the first 45 minutes at Murray Park and, in typical fashion, found the net to give Thistle the lead.

The frontman - who has targeted a comeback against Queen of the South this Saturday - was buzzing afterwards and said: "It was great to get a run-out and the groin felt absolutely fine.

"It was nice to score of course although it was just a tap-in - Steve Lovell did all the hard work.

"But I would think I should be fine for Saturday. It's up to the gaffer if I start and all I can do is work hard in training this week."

Buchanan tapped in from six yards to put Thistle ahead against Walter Smith's side which featured Danny Wilson, Stevie Smith, Steven Whittaker, John Fleck, Stevie Naismith, Maurice Edu and Kyle Lafferty in their starting line-up.

Former Jags loan player Stevie Lennon levelled before half time but Ryan McBeth secured a confidence-boosting win with a second half winner.