Partick Thistle goal hero David Rowson takes centre stage in Jags promotion push

Aug 12 2010 By Fraser Wilson

Click here, for exclusive video with David Rowson and Ian Maxwell.

DAVID ROWSON might just have entered his 16th season as a professional but the Partick Thistle midfielder has lost none of his drive as he longs to bring glory back to Firhill.

The fit-as-a-fiddle 33-year-old has been an almost ever-present in the starting line-up since returning for a second spell with the Jags three years ago.

Rowson is renowned for his tireless displays and was rewarded with a rare goal on Tuesday night as he blasted home the winner in the 2-1 ALBA Cup win over Berwick Rangers.

Jags boss Ian McCall praised the hard-tackling veteran just last week for leading by example as Thistle look to blend a new crop of youngster into the first team.

And McCall will be praying the former Aberdeen and Stoke City star can continue to drive his side on as they look to recover from last week's nightmare first division curtain raiser at Raith which ended in a 4-0 thumping.

Rowson said: "I've been around for a while now and you learn to look after yourself a bit better and know how your body works.

"Since I came back to Thistle I have only missed about two games through injury so I have been happy with that and hopefully I can do it again this season.

"I had a bit of bad luck when I was first starting out in my career with a lot of niggly injuries but I think I have learned how to ride tackles now and stay out of danger.

"Any team that is going to do well in the league will need luck with injuries and suspensions, so if we can keep them to a minimum we will see what we can do."

Rowson will soon be joined in the engine room of the Jags side by another seasoned pro - former Celtic and Scotland ace Jackie McNamara who is close to returning from a broken leg.

But it is another new arrival who has made the biggest impression on him so far this season.

Iain Flannigan has added a bit of flair to the hard working midfield and, once he gets match fit, Rowson reckons he can add a new dimension to their attacking options.

He said: "Flanny has come in and shown that he has good pace and good bit of trickery.

"He is not quite match sharp yet after picking up a wee knee injury in the summer but once we get him sharp and fit you will see what he can do as he is a good player.

"I don't think we have ever had someone like him on the right hand side so hopefully he can fill that space.

"Ryan MacBeth is another one who has come into the midfield and done well.

"He has just stepped up from the youth team and there are still a few things he has to work on but he has held his own in the matches he's played so far.

"He scored a good goal against Clyde so hopefully he can take the opportunity and make a name for himself here.

"We've lost a bit of experience in the side so we are going to have to gel the older players together with the younger ones who are coming through.

"Guys like me, Sid and Robbo are probably going to have to look after the younger guys this season but that's what having experience is all about."