Partick Thistle eager to kick-start lucrative Scottish Cup run against Falkirk

Jan 6 2011 By Gordon Parks

Ian Maxwell

IAN MAXWELL admits Partick Thistle will be chasing a pot of gold when they take on Falkirk in the Scottish Cup fourth round on Saturday.

The cash-strapped Jags are set for a quiet time in the January transfer window and have been left looking for loan deals to strengthen their squad.

But Firhill assistant manager Maxwell believes a win against the Bairns could line up a money spinning draw in the next round and provide a much-needed boost to their transfer funds.

He said: "The reality for clubs such as Partick is we look to the Cup as an opportunity to be paired with an SPL side and generate the nance to strengthen.

"At the moment all we can look at is trying to fix up loan deals but a Cup run could provide the cash to have the luxury of being able to go out and bring someone in.

"That could make all the difference and Falkirk will also have their eye on the bigger picture and that has to be a lucrative tie in the next round.

"It's a huge game in the respect that we would receive a massive confidence boost by knocking out one of the favourites for the First Division title but the financial implications are also huge.

"Every penny that can be brought in is put to good use and the added revenue of a cup run could be a crucial factor on the fortunes of our club."

Thistle confirmed at the weekend that they have managed to extend Conrad Balatoni's loan deal from Hearts and he has agreed to stay until the end of the current campaign.

After making 14 appearances in the top team this term the 19-year-old defender has become an integral part of the squad.

Keeper Scott Fox is also in talks to extend his deal, which has just days to run.

Maxwell said: "We are hopeful of getting Scott fixed up on a new deal but he has been ill for the past few days so we haven't been able to get him in to finalise things.

"Our young keeper Graeme Shepherd should be signing on loan for Rob Roy this week in time to play in their Scottish Cup tie against Banks of Dee."

Former Dundee ace Eric Paton is also training with Jags but it's unlikely he'll be offered a deal.