Partick vs Falkirk preview - O'Donnell worry for Thistle

Posted Saturday, October 22, 2011 by PA

Recent Partick signing Stephen O'Donnell is a doubt for the visit of Falkirk because of a calf injury but he will be given until kick-off to prove his fitness.

Boss Jackie McNamara had already ruled out Willie Kinniburgh, Ryan McBeth, Scott Robertson and Iain Flannigan through injury to leave the Firhill squad stretched.

McNamara is looking for an improvement following his side's loss to Raith last weekend.

He said: "Both the performance and the result were disappointing and I am looking for a lot better in this one.

"Falkirk are playing well and have shown great determination to keep playing to the final whistle. We need to match that as well as playing really well to get a win."

Falkirk will be without talented youngster Craig Sibbald.

The 16-year-old has ligament damage but manager Steven Pressley has everyone else available for the trip to Glasgow.

Thistle will be dangerous opponents, according to Falkirk's technical director of football Alex Smith.

He said: "Thistle are a better side than their league position would indicate. They have experienced players in key areas of the park and scored five past Morton in their last league game at home so we need to be wary.

"Our boys stuck to their task well to get a really late winner against Queen of the South last weekend and I would imagine this game will be just as tight."