Steve Lovell deal delights Partick Thistle boss McCall

Feb 3 2010 By Fraser Wilson

Steve Lovell

THISTLE boss Ian McCall has expressed his delight at securing the services of Steve Lovell for the rest of the season.

The experienced goalscorer joined the Jags on a short term deal in November and extended that for the month of January while a proposed move to join his half brother Eddie Howe at Bournemouth fell through because of the English club's transfer ban.

Now the ex-Aberdeen, Falkirk and Dundee striker has signed a deal which will keep him at Firhill until the end of the season.

Lovell has hit three goals in 10 appearances for the Maryhill men and McCall expects he will play a big part in the club's promotion push.

McCall said: "Steve is a big strong player who can score goals and I am delighted to have him here for a bit longer."

Lovell's contract extension co-incides with the departure of another striker Jim Hamilton who has rejoined former club Livingston.

And another frontman who could yet move out of Firhill this month - albeit on loan - is Kris Doolan who is expected to complete a short-term deal with Clyde.