Partick Thistle midfielder David Rowson expected to miss the rest of the season as Jags head to Ayr Utd

Apr 6 2012 By Fraser Wilson

David Rowson

David Rowson looks set to miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury

DAVID ROWSON will sit out Partick Thistle's trip to Ayr United today - and could be out of action for the rest of the season.

The veteran midfielder hobbled out of last week's defeat to Livingston after just 25 minutes and Jags boss Jackie McNamara fears he could have torn a hamstring.

With just six games remaining this season a muscle tear would almost certainly rule the former Aberdeen and Stoke City player out for the rest of the campaign.

McNamara said: "David hasn't had his scan yet but unfortunately it looks as if he has torn the hamstring which would mean an extended spell out.

"It's a tough one because he is an influential player but it hands Stuart Bannigan the opportunity to establish himself in the first team.

"I've been planning to introduce a few of the younger guys into the first team in the coming weeks to see how they can handle things.

"I won't put pressure on guys by naming names but, all going well, a few of the younger players will be handed debuts in the next few weeks."

With Scott Fox available again after recovering from a hand injury, McNamara faces a decision on whether to stick with Ryan Scully in goal against relegation-threatened Ayr.

Rangers loanee Darren Cole will miss out again but defender Conrad Balatoni returns to the squad for the trip to Somerset.