Partick Thistle hopeful of landing Hearts Conrad Balatoni back on loan

Jul 7 2011 By Fraser Wilson

Partick Thistle launch new strip at Greaves Sports

JACKIE McNAMARA hasn't given up hope of bringing Hearts defender Conrad Balatoni back to Partick Thistle on loan.

The 20-year-old looked set to return to Firhill on a short term deal on Wednesday only for a late snag to stall the move.

But McNamara, who launched Thistle's stunning new home kit at Greaves Sports today, revealed he is still hopeful of landing the powerful defender.

He believes Balatoni would be the final piece in his defensive jigsaw following the capture of towering full back Aaron Sinclair, who completed his move from Montrose on a two-year deal on Wednesday.

McNamara said: "We are trying to get Conrad back. We thought we had a chance yesterday but unfortunately finances dictated and there was too much money involved. But we are still hopeful.

"Conrad did well for us in the last 10 games of the season. He is a good kid aswell, a right sort to bring in on loan. He is hungry and wants to do well and has a great attitude.

"He is a Hearts player and was involved with their first team during pre-season in Italy last week so there's nothing we can do about that. We will just have to wait and see."

McNamara revealed he will take another look at ex-Southampton winger Jack Boyle before deciding whether to offer him a contract.

Boyle was one of four trialists who travelled to Thistle's pre-season gathering at Catterick Barracks last week and did enough to warrant another look.

The Firhill gaffer is convinced he has signed a future star in 20-year-old left-sided player Sinclair though.

He said: "I think Aaaron has a lot of potential, he is big and strong. He is raw but he has a great chance of making a career in the game.

"He can play full back or left midfield. He is a strong runner and a good athlete but has skill aswell.

"He really impressed me last week and I'm delighted to get him fixed up."

McNamara was joined by assistant Simon Donnelly and club captain Alan Archibald as they launched the striking new home strip with retail partner Greaves Sports today.

The shirt harks back to the 1970s with a red collar on a yellow strip with, for the first time in the Jags' history, a red pin stripe.

Greaves Sports MD Sandy Greaves said: "When it comes to teamwear it's very easy for a club to end up with the same kit in another colour as another club if they are both signed to the same brand.

"But Partick Thistle as a club has always been a bit different so we try to make sure the kits reflect this and have a bit more character."

Kenny Webster, MD of sponsor Macb, added: "It's a great strip that's going to look brilliant on the pitch and on our mascot, Jaggy MacBee. This is our first-ever shirt sponsorship and we're tremendously proud to be associated with Partick Thistle."