Injury problems for Partick Thistle ahead of Hamilton Accies clash

Aug 9 2011

Alan Archibald

PARTICK THISTLE face a mini defensive crisis ahead of tonight's Ramsdens Cup second round clash at Hamilton Accies.

Captain Alan Archibald and central defensive partner Willie Kinniburgh are definitely out after picking up knocks in Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Dundee.

And there is also a doubt over full back Paul Paton who is nursing a leg knock suffered against the Taysiders.

Jags boss Jackie McNamara, desperate for a morale-boosting win at New Douglas Park, will recall Conrad Balatoni and could ask new signing Scott Robertson to fill in in defence also.

McNamara said: "Having these players unavailable isn't ideal but what it does do is provide an opportunity for one or two players to come in and prove what they are capable of.

"Hamilton will be a big test for us after coming down from the SPL. I'm looking for the players to give me the same commitment as Saturday but we must make better use of the ball."

Kris Doolan may also be rested as the Jags prepare for their first meeting with Accies in over three years.