Match Preview
On Sunday afternoon we will attempt to reach our first National Cup Final for 37 years when with Airdrie United standing between us a place in the Final of this season’s Alba Challenge Cup. While the Scotland v Norway World Cup qualifier is taking up the bulk of media attention at the moment our tie with Airdrie United is one that Thistle manager Ian McCall is clearly relishing.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to play in a Challenge Cup Final and manage a team in a Final and I know that once you get to this stage of the tournament the interest really starts to grow. I know that if we can beat Airdrie United this afternoon and reach the final that the Thistle fans will think the Alba Challenge Cup a great tournament.”
As always ‘The Gaffer’ was able to supply www.ptfc.co.uk with the latest team news which on this occasion includes something of a surprise.
“We will take medical advice a little closer to the game but at the time of writing there is a chance that we may be able to include Liam Buchanan on the bench for this game. We had hoped to play Liam in a game during the week but the weather put a halt to that plan. He will need games before getting back to full match fitness but he is a naturally fit boy and to have him available for even 20-30 minutes would be great.”
“Elsewhere Gary Harkins is suspended and will miss the game and Alan Archibald remains on the injured list. Ryan McStay, Stevie Lennon and Marc Twaddle are all carrying slight knocks but should be okay to play. Jonny Tuffey will miss out as he is away with the Northern Ireland squad for their two World Cup Qualifiers. Craig Hinchcliffe though is an excellent goalkeeper and I’ve ever confidence that he will, as he did in the last round at Livingston, come in and perform to a high standard. On the bench we may include Scott Murray who sat on the bench at Livingston or Charles Samushonga who has returned to the under 19 squad and has been doing well.”
Thistle will not be alone in missing players on Sunday. Former Jag Marc Smyth and Kevin MacDonald will miss out for Airdrie United after collecting a second yellow card in the competition against Cowdenbeath in their quarter-final tie.
