BOLTON proved too big to turn down for a second time for Gary Fraser this summer.

But the midfielder admits he will have to shine for Partick Thistle before he can finally kick-start his Reebok career.

After rejecting a switch to the npower Championship side in January, Fraser was released from his contract at Hamilton Accies at the end of the season, despite his deal having another two years to run.

He turned out as a trialist for the Jags against Annan before putting pen-to-paper on a deal with Dougie Freedman's side just hours later.

Now, he is set to complete a move to Firhill and join Alan Archibald's champions on loan until January.

It has been a hectic few weeks for the 19-year-old but he is relishing the chance to prove his worth on the pitch as the new SPFL Premiership season draws ever nearer.

He said: "It has worked out really well for me. I had to get away from Hamilton because I wasn't playing.

"It was brilliant to get the chance to go to a club like 
Thistle and then when Bolton came in for me I knew I couldn't knock it back twice. I jumped at the chance to sign for them.

"I was surprised that a club the size of Bolton came back for me a second time. It is great that they have shown that much interest in me.

"I know it was a chance I had to take this time.

"The manager at Bolton was keen for me to go out on loan and get some first-team experience and hopefully do well for Thistle.

"I am up here to do what I can do and hopefully play first- team football every week.

"When I go back to Bolton, we will see what happens."

Gaffer Archibald was keen to land Fraser on a permanent basis but his hopes were dashed as soon as Bolton made their second bid for his signature.

The Jags boss has still landed his man, however, with Fraser joining Paul Gallacher, John Baird and Henoc Mukendi in making the switch to Firhill this summer.

Thistle kick-off their SPFL Premiership campaign with a mouthwatering flag-raiser against Jackie McNamara's Dundee United on August 2. And Fraser can't wait to get down to business as he targets a regular starting berth for the top-flight new boys.

He said: "It was brilliant to play in the Annan game and have a chance to show the manager what I could do.

"Alan Archibald gave me a chance and I am looking forward to working with him now.

"It will be hard to break into any first team at my age but I feel that I have got the ability to do it. Hopefully if I can work hard then it will come for me at Thistle.

"They have got a great group of boys and the manager and Scott Paterson, the assistant manager, have been brilliant with me.

"It is a good club, they play good football and it was a really attractive move for me.

"They way they like to play suits me so hopefully I can do well for them.

"The chance to play top-flight football really attracted me and I felt that I fitted in well with the squad. Hopefully I can get myself into the team and do well for them."

Meanwhile, Thistle have signed Fraser's former Accies team-mate James Martin.

The striker was released by mutual consent from his deal this summer and will be part of the Jags' Under-20 squad.