Quick-feet Lucas Akins eyes promotion push with Jags

Feb 12 2009 By Fraser Wilson

Exclusive

BALLET DANCING hitman Lucas Akins is desperate to help Partick Thistle hot-foot it into the SPL.

The on-loan Hamilton striker, 19, has endured a stuttering start to his short-term Thistle career after aggravating a groin injury.

But he reckons his qualifications in tap and ballet - gained at school in Huddersfield - can help him get ahead when he makes his return to the pitch.

Partick square up to one of their promotion rivals Dunfermline at Firhill this weekend. And, although Akins reckons this match has come too early for him, he's itching to start banging in the goals in a Thistle jersey.

Then just wait to see the celebration when he does!

Explaining his ability to pirouette Akins said: "I danced until I was 16 - jazz, tap, modern and I even did ballet.

"I like to persevere in everything I do and I had a few last grades to do at school so I just did them. I had a decision to make between football and dancing but it was always going to be football.

"I think the dance helps me. It helped my balance and I'm still quite flexible now.

"There's an enigma about dancers that they are a bit weak. But if you see some dancers' physiques then they can be frightening and mine isn't too bad."

Akins added: "I might teach my new team mates a few things. I haven't said it to the gaffer yet, I'm here to play football first of all and score goals.

"You can't buy the confidence that a goal brings so hopefully I can hit the net for Partick quite early because I have always scored goals everywhere else I have been."

Click here to watch our exclusive Lucas Akins video.