Partick Thistle turn to Doolan for clash with bogey side Stirling Albion

Jan 14 2011 By Fraser Wilson

Kris Doolan

KRIS DOOLAN is in line for a return to the Partick Thistle starting line-up after his goal saved the Jags from a fourth round Scottish Cup exit at Falkirk on Tuesday.

Doolan came off the bench with 13 minutes remaining to fire the late equaliser which means the sides will do battle again at Firhill next Tuesday.

Before then Thistle host Stirling Albion on league business on Saturday and Doolan looks set to replace Simon Donnelly in the starting 11.

The former Celtic man picked up a calf strain against the Bairns and is likely to swap places with his strike colleague for the visit of John O'Neil's side.

Jags boss Ian McCall has challenged Doolan - whose contract expires in the summer - to win a new deal by firing himself up the goalscoring charts.

McCall said: "Kris has actually been pretty unlucky not to have been starting matches. He has, to be fair, been carrying a wee injury.

"He is now 100 per cent fit and is capable, I believe, of scoring 10-15 goals this season.

"I've had a chat with Kris and stressed the importance of him really pushing on and trying to establish himself as our number one striker next season."

Tomorrow's match offers the Jags the opportunity to pull further clear from the relegation zone against bottom side Stirling - who have amassed half their 12 point tally with two wins against Thistle.

Conrad Balatoni is expected to sit out again as he nurses a hamstring strain but otherwise, the Jags are at full strength as they look to keep their good run of form going and avenge September's dismal 2-1 defeat to the Binos at the same venue.