Crocked Partick Thistle striker Liam Buchanan targets comeback

Dec 3 2009 By Fraser Wilson

LIam Buchanan

SIDELINED Partick ace Liam Buchanan could make a surprise return to action as soon as next week.

Thistle's top scorer has missed the last three weeks after undergoing a hernia operation and it was expected he would be sidelined until Christmas.

But Jags boss Ian McCall has revealed the deadly frontman is well ahead of schedule thanks to the hard work of Firhill physio Kenny Crichton.

And while there is no chance he will be in the squad for this weekend's clash with league leaders Dundee, Buchanan has targeted the following week's trip to Airdrie United for his comeback.

McCall said: "Liam is back running already and his target is to be fit for the Airdrie game.

"He had the operation two weeks ago but we have an excellent physio here and it would be great if he was back so soon.

"However we won't take any chances."

There's no need for the club to risk Buckie with Steve Lovell, Kris Doolan and Jim Hamilton all now fighting to lead the frontline along with Simon Donnelly.

Lovell will again provide the goal threat against Dundee this weekend and the manager is delighted to have such a proven scorer at his disposal.

McCall also vowed to work hard to keep loan signing Jamie Adams at Firhill beyond the January expiry of his current deal.

He said: "Steve Lovell and Jamie Adams have both been brilliant and I will be trying to keep them here beyond January.

"Lovell is improving all the time and has proved himself at a higher level than this in the past.

"And all it takes for Adams to have a good career is for him to stay injury free.

"He is fantastic in the air as he proved last week and I will be working on a deal to keep him until the end of the season."

Meanwhile Thistle legend Chic Charnley will again be signing copies of his book 'Seeing Red' before Saturday's match at Firhill after last week's stock sold out.