Partick Thistle sign Steven Craig on loan from Ross County

Aug 31 2012 By Fraser Wilson

JACKIE McNAMARA will include new signing Steven Craig in his squad when table-topping Thistle host Hamilton Accies tomorrow.

The hugely experienced Ross County striker agreed a loan move on Thursday which will keep him at Firhill until the end of January.

The deal was financed by an anonymous Jags diehard who has been suitably impressed with the start the Firhill men have made to the campaign. And McNamara says his latest recruit will add further depth to his frontline.

McNamara, who is keen to exact revenge on Accies following the midweek League Cup exit, told his club's official website that the former Aberdeen and Livingston hitman, 31, would go straight into the group for Saturday's match. But he might have to wait a short while for his first taste of action.

The manager said: "It’s been a wee while since Steven last played competitive first team football and he will need a little time to get up to full match sharpness.

"I’ve felt that we’ve lacked a little experience up front and Steven will help add that and take a little bit of the pressure off Kris Doolan. He’ll help in terms of getting the ball to stick up front and he’ll help us keep possession of the ball."

Craig scored six goals in 32 appearances as County romped to the first division title last season. But he has yet to make an appearance for Derek Adams' side in the SPL.

Meanwhile, McNamara will have to wait to find out if Aaron Muirhead and Steven Lawless are fit to face Accies after picking up knocks through the week. David Rowson remains sidelined but Hugh Murray returns to the team after missing Tuesday's cup defeat through suspension.