Ex-Rangers & Scotland star Neil McCann set to agree a play-for-free deal at Partick Thsitle

Aug 11 2011 By Gordon Parks

Neil McCann

PARTICK THISTLE won't need to burst the bank to get Neil McCann on board at Firhill - after the ex-Scotland star promised to play for FREE.

The 36-year-old has been training with the Jags and hopes to combine his role as a SKY pundit with a first team spot at the First Division side.

Any deal to secure the one-time Rangers wideman would not involve a wage and he could pull on the club colours for the first time today in a bounce game against Kilmarnock.

Jags boss Jackie McNamara has been desperate to add experience to his young squad and McCann would be a huge boost for his side.

After a disappointing start to their campaign with defeat to Dundee, Partick chief Ian Maxwell admits talks are progressing well.

He said: "The first thing we need to do is get Neil fit and he's been in for a week with us working hard.

"It's going to take time to get him into the right condition and then get a match or two under his belt.

"We have a bounce game against Killie on Wednesday and he may get a run out but that will be a decision for the manager and of course Neil.

"There is no finance involved and Neil being here in the first place is due to his friendship with Jackie.

"Hopefully something can be finalised to get him on board as he has an abundance of experience which would be of huge benefit to the young lads here."

Jags went down to a controversial late penalty against the Dark Blues on Saturday but boss McNamara refused to be downhearted at their display.

He said: "We battled well and were the better side. We could have done better in possession but we looked dangerous. "In a weekend of broken bones across the Scottish game, the Jags suffered their own injury agony after youngster Connor Delaney suffered a broken leg while playing for Thistle's Under-17s at Toryglen on Sunday.

The teenager had been training full-time with the club and Maxwell wished the player a speedy recovery.

He said: "Connor is a promising young talent and hopefully it won't be too long before we see him back in a Thistle strip."

Meanwhile, the Jags have launched their Wee Macb club which costs £10 for U16s.

Each member gets a rattle, Macb Passport, kids seating section in stand, the chance to meet two players after every home game and an invite to the Christmas party.