Celtic clash will be a nice little learner for my Partick Thistle stars, says Jackie McNamara

Jul 14 2011 By Gordon Parks

JACKIE McNAMARA has urged his young Jags to relish their chance to rub shoulders with the big Bhoys when they take on Celtic at Firhill on Saturday.

The Partick boss believes his kids, such as Ryan MacBeth pictured right, will get an education against the SPL stars - after Neil Lennon promised to play some big names in the friendly.

McNamara said: "Celtic will be packed full of internationals and this should be the chance for our younger guys to see what's required at that level.

"It will be a learning curve and they must soak in the experience and make the most of it. "We want them to go out and show what they can do. It's important they take the ball and express themselves and are not overawed by the names Celtic will have in their team.

"Neil Lennon told me he will give some of his squad some game time so it'll be a good crowd with the chance for fans to see how we are progressing.

"It's a game we are all looking forward to and hopefully we'll be able to take a lot out of it."

Jags' pre-season continues tonight against Motherwell at Fir Park. Thistle will be without Alan Archibald but the skipper's knee-injury won't keep him out of the side long-term.

Exclusive Alan Archibald video interview