Rangers duo Darren Cole & Kal Naismith will benefit from loan spell at Thistle, says Stephen O'Donnell

Jan 9 2012

Ex-Celtic kid Stephen O'Donnell is delighted to be joined at Firhill by Rangers youngsters Darren Cole & Kal Naismith

PARTICK THISTLE defender Stephen O'Donnell reckons the quicker the Jags can field on-loan Rangers duo Darren Cole and Kal Naismith the better.

O'Donnell and his mates were devastated when a last gasp goal sent them tumbling out of the Scottish Cup at the hands of Queen of the South on Saturday.

Cole was ruled out of the game after picking up a niggling injury while Naismith was cup tied having already featured in the competition for Cowdenbeath.

Now the duo could be in line for debuts in Friday's first division clash with hamilton at New Douglas Park.

And former Celtic kid O'Donnell reckons the signing of Cole in particular is a masterstroke by Jackie McNamara - even if it costs him his place in the team.

O'Donnell said: "Darren has worked his backside off in training and is determined to show he's good enough to be playing for Rangers by doing well for us.

"Whether he takes my place at right back, plays at left back or wherever, he's a great signing.

"It says a lot about the gaffer that a club like Rangers are willing to let two of their young players come here and I think they'll go back to Ibrox the better for it."

The Jags looked destined for a Scottish Cup replay against Queens on Saturday before Danny Carmichael popped up in the 90th minute to break the stalemate.

McNamara had warned pre-match that any hopes of extending striker Craig Dargo's deal at Firhill could hinge on progress in the cup.

Dargo is now a free agent and his future could lie away from Thistle although McNamara is eager to retain the 34-year-old for his experience.