Choose your Partick Thistle player of the year

Apr 23 2009 By Fraser Wilson

To register your vote for player of the year, visit the Partick Thistle page.

AS another season packed with emotion nears its conclusion for Partick Thistle, the Glaswegian has launched its search for the Jags player of the year to be decided by you - the readers.

We have followed Thistle throughout the campaign and have whittled the shortlist down to four contenders based on appearances, level of performance, consistency and leadership qualities.

With the club's promotion challenge very much alive going into Saturday's visit of Livingston, many would argue that Ian McCall's men have punched above their weight this year.

Their small squad, tight budget and injuries to key players have all posed problems at different stages of the campaign.

However, three wins from the visits of LIvi, Airdrie United and the last day trip to Dundee could very well seal promotion to the SPL.

So here's the Glaswegian's shortlist of the men who have played the biggest part in the Jags' push for promotion. In terms of choosing the player of the year ... the rest is up to you.

JONNY TUFFEY ... The 22-year-old shotstopper has emerged as the division's top keeper this season but also landed on the international scene after securing his place in the full Northern Ireland squad and making his debut as a substitute against Hungary. You judge goalkeepers by the number of mistakes they make and Tuffey's can be counted on the fingers of one hand. He's also a top save maker.

JOHN ROBERTSON ... Mr Dependable. Robertson is in his third season at Firhill and is exactly the type of defender needed to steady the ship. Calm and level-headed, Robertson provides strength and experience to the rearguard and will be a key player in the final few matches.

DAVID ROWSON ... Every side needs an unsung hero and Rowser must be Thistle's. With bags of experience the workhorse goes about his business with limited fuss. But his contribution in breaking up opposition play and organising the midfield is major. And his fitness levels are second to none. 38 appearances already this season and as fit as ever, Thistle miss David Rowson on the few occasions he isn't in the team.

GARY HARKINS ... If ever a player splits Jags fans' opinion then it is former Blackburn man Harkins. Accused of only turning it on when he feels like it, there's no doubt he is the man who can single handedly win a match for Thistle with a flash of inspiration. Games against Rangers in the last two seasons prove he can handle himself against the top sides and SPL clubs are said to be lining up bids for the Greenock-born midfielder.

To register your vote for player of the year, visit the Partick Thistle page.