Scottish Cup warning for Partick Thistle as McCall rallies players

Nov 19 2010

Danni Sanchez, John Robertson

IAN McCALL has told his Partick Thistle troops to do themselves and the club a massive favour by dumping Stirling Albion out of the Scottish Cup and keeping alive the dream of a glamour fourth round draw.

Injuries have again played havoc with the Jags' preparations for tomorrow's clash at Forthbank but McCall knows his side should still have the ability to overcome their first division rivals.

Definitely out for Thistle are defenders John Robertson, pictured, and Conrad Balatoni along with midfielder Ryan McBeth. There are doubts as to whether Kris Doolan will return to the squad after missing last week's stalemate with Morton.

And to add to McCall's problems wide man Iain Flannigan has picked up a back injury which makes him a serious doubt for the cup clash against their bogey side.

Thistle are desperate to avoid a third straight defeat to the Binos this season and McCall was blunt when describing the importance of the match to the club.

He said: "This is without doubt a massive game for us. We are desperately keen to make it through to the next round where there is the potential to make some money.

"That might not seem the greatest thing to say but things are really tight at the club at the moment and we really could do with a financial boost."

Youngsters Jamie Campbell, Kyle Lochhead, Shaun Fraser and Ross McGeough are added to the squad in line with Scottish Cup rules which state two outfield under 21 players must be included in the 16.