PARTICK THISTLE teen star Liam Lindsay is preparing for a season of destiny in red and yellow.

The 19-year-old centre-half was a standout performer at the heart of the Jags defence in the 1-1 draw with Rotherham.

It was an eye-opening showing in front of a Thistle support that may not be too aware of the young talent who spent the second half of last season out on loan at Airdrieonians.

But his credentials are more than familiar to Alan Archibald, who has watched Lindsay – the nephew of former Firhill man Ricky Gillies – develop into an imposing player over the last year.

Lindsay has been delighted with how his career has progressed, despite taking time away from Maryhill to join the Diamonds.

Now entering the last year of his deal, his emergence in the first team has been perfectly timed to try and make sure his current contract is not his last.

He said: “This is the final year of my deal, so I’d say it is my biggest yet. I’ve had a couple of loan spells and got a lot of experience. Hopefully I can kick on from here.

“I was at Airdrie last season and I loved it. Being in the first team is so different from just playing with the Under-20s every week and it gives you an edge to want to win every game. It’s a big opportunity and it’s my aim to be in the team as much as possible.

“The gaffer is a veteran of the game and he just tells me every day what to do to keep me right. During games it’s not as if you can’t hear him either! At least he’s shouting things to spur you on.”

Lindsay’s performance against Rotherham was underlined by him being named man of the match.

It is the perfect boost for the teenager ahead of Thistle’s Ladbrokes Premiership opener with Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Saturday.

And, regardless of whether he is involved, it is a game that cannot come quickly enough for him.

Lindsay said: “It was a good test on Saturday. Rotherham are a Championship team with a good standard, so it was great to get man of the match and to play 90 minutes. It was 1-1 draw with them, so it’s not like there is a big difference in quality.

“It’s a big game for us this week and it’s away from home, but we are quite positive. Pre-season has been brilliant and we have taken a lot of confidence from it.”

It wasn’t just the match sponsors who were impressed with his display at the weekend – so, too, was his manager.

“Liam is only 19, but I thought he was outstanding. He more than matched their physical aspect of the game considering he is just a young kid,” said Archibald.

“Having worked with him for a while, he is just getting better and better. It’s actually saved us money as we’ve not had to go and get cover for our two main guys [Dan Seaborne and Freddy Frans], and Liam and Jack Hendry are doing well for us.

“He has a hunger. I took a gamble putting him out on loan last season because we may have needed him, and we did come the end of the season.

"But I just felt it was more valuable him getting game time at Airdrie, and we are now seeing the benefits of that.”