Partick Thistle on trail of loan duo as Jackie McNamara looks to boost squad

Dec 28 2011

JACKIE McNAMARA hopes to add two new faces to his Partick Thistle squad in the January transfer window - and hasn't given up hope of luring Hearts defender Conrad Balatoni back following the end of his loan spell.

The Jags are sitting fourth in the league table at the turn of the year and face a trip to league leaders Ross County on Monday.

McNamara is happy with the start his side have made to the season and hopes the addition of two new faces will boost their standing further.

Negotiations have started to bring in the two loan players but McNamara was staying tight lipped on their identity this week.

He said: "I'm hoping to get another couple in but I don't want to say too much in case it doesn’t happen.”

Meanwhile, Balatoni, pictured, returned to Tynecastle this week after making the last appearance of his loan deal in the Jags’ 1-0 Boxing Day win over Queen of the South - a match in which he was named man of the match.

Despite the fact the 20-year-old has already received a letter from Hearts saying he is free to find a new club McNamara is still unsure whether he can lure the player back to Firhill.

McNamara said: "I thought young Balatoni was excellent again for us.

"He is due back to Hearts now so we will talk to them and see what happens. I know his contract is up in the summer but the way Hearts were talking they want him back so we will just need to see what happens."