Partick Thistle boss targets new deal for striker Craig Dargo as QOS head to Firhill

Jan 6 2012 By Fraser Wilson

Dargo's experience has been beneficial to Thistle's strikeforce, says McNamara

JACKIE McNAMARA reckons his chances of extending Craig Dargo's stay at Partick Thistle will be greatly increased if the Jags can overcome Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup this weekend.

Former Kilmarnock, Inverness and St Mirren frontman Dargo's short-term deal at Firhill expires on Sunday but McNamara is eager to keep a hold of the player who turned 34 earlier this week.

Despite making just four appearances for the Jags since he joined in November, Dargo did enough to convince the Thistle management he is worth an extended deal and it is understood the player would be happy to remain at Firhill for the remainder of the season.

But with finances tight at the Maryhill club, McNamara might have to depend on a place in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup to pay for any new deal.

He told the Glaswegian: "We're keen to sign Craig on an extended contract but we need to wait until after Saturday to see what's available.

"That's the carrot to win the cup game against Queens, to give us some finances to strengthen the squad especially if we can get through this round and land a big tie.

"I don't know if Craig has spoken to any other clubs but he came to Partick two months ago to get fit and get some games under his belt and he has looked good.

"He has that bit of experience up front which we have not had this season and it has been a huge help so I would love to be able to offer him a new deal."

McNamara has added Rangers loanees Darren Cole and Kal Naismith to his squad already in January after losing fellow loan players Kyle Hutton and Conrad Balatoni.

Midfielder Jamie Campbell has gone out on loan to Stenhousemuir and McNamara is also keen to find a suitable deal to get Ryan MacBeth games following his recovery from injury.

Meanwhile, David Rowson is facing a battle to be fit for the Queen of the South cup clash after picking up a back injury.

Christie Elliott is back in contention though after recovering from injury.

New signing Naismith is not eligible for the tie as he is cup tied but Cole is available to make his debut.