First Team
THE TANGERINE ARMY | PARTICK THISTLE (H)
23rd April 2024
Having paired Jim Hamilton with Stephen McConalogue in the 2-0 win at Forfar, Paul Sturrock will now try out another striking blend for Saturday's challenge at the Glebe against Brechin.
Steven Thompson will play alongside Alex Mathie up front, and while all four marksmen bid for places when the serious business gets underway next weekend, the manager admits that lack of firepower is a concern he is addressing.
"We have not conceded a goal in our last three pre-season games," he said. " That suggests our defensive qualities are reasonably solid but we need a bit more up front. Hamilton is still young, but hopefully will settle into the side this season. Thompson has been magnificent in pre-season training. Mathie lends experience and works very hard. McConalogue is just a kid, but got a confidence-boosting goal against Forfar."
"However, I want to bring in fresh faces in offensive areas, to step-up competition for places. That's not necessarily out and out strikers, but also creative midfield players."
Sturrock is playing a patient game in his search for new talent.
He explained,"It's a slow process to complete negotiations these days, but I am getting closer to finally signing one or two players."
Meanwhile, veteran Maurice Malpas will get a run out at Brechin to keep him in trim for his testimonial affair against Everton.
Starting eleven for the Brechin game- Combe, Malpas, McCracken, Aljofree, Paterson, Davidson, Venetis, Buchan, Hannah, Mathie, Thompson.
Steven Thompson will play alongside Alex Mathie up front, and while all four marksmen bid for places when the serious business gets underway next weekend, the manager admits that lack of firepower is a concern he is addressing.
"We have not conceded a goal in our last three pre-season games," he said. " That suggests our defensive qualities are reasonably solid but we need a bit more up front. Hamilton is still young, but hopefully will settle into the side this season. Thompson has been magnificent in pre-season training. Mathie lends experience and works very hard. McConalogue is just a kid, but got a confidence-boosting goal against Forfar."
"However, I want to bring in fresh faces in offensive areas, to step-up competition for places. That's not necessarily out and out strikers, but also creative midfield players."
Sturrock is playing a patient game in his search for new talent.
He explained,"It's a slow process to complete negotiations these days, but I am getting closer to finally signing one or two players."
Meanwhile, veteran Maurice Malpas will get a run out at Brechin to keep him in trim for his testimonial affair against Everton.
Starting eleven for the Brechin game- Combe, Malpas, McCracken, Aljofree, Paterson, Davidson, Venetis, Buchan, Hannah, Mathie, Thompson.
