IAN McCALL is looking forward to catching up with his old friend Derek McInnes after the former Aberdeen manager was named as Tommy Wright’s replacement at Kilmarnock, with the Partick Thistle boss adding that the appointment is something of a coup for their Championship rivals.

McInnes has been out of work since his eight-year stint at Pittodrie was brought to a close last year and McCall admitted to raising an eyebrow when the news was confirmed.

The Jags host Killie on league duty a week today so McCall and McInnes do not have long to wait for their reunion on the touchline – although the Firhill manager hopes the outcome will be different than the previous occasion.

“I’ve spoken to him and we’ve agreed to have a wee glass of something next Friday – socially distanced,” McCall explained.

“I was surprised but I do think – and I think Del said it himself – he’s been living away from the family home for a while and travelling a lot, and he doesn’t need to do that now.

“I don’t think he gets the credit – he certainly gets it from me, I’ve been on the record about it – but to do what he did at Aberdeen, finish in those high positions year on year for eight years, was kind of remarkable.

“People seem to think that’s easy but nobody else has done it at Aberdeen, Hearts or Hibs.

“You see what Steve Clarke did – he had the stadium full and then moved onto Scotland

“I was actually talking to Derek last night. The last time he was at Firhill when I was here before, we were going head-to-head for the title.

“We were beating them 2-0 in the 90th minute and they scored in the 91st and 93rd to get a 2-2 draw. I asked him if he remembered and he said ‘aye’ and sent a big smiley emoji!

“I look forward to seeing him. It’s great that he’s back and Kilmarnock are lucky because they’re able to afford a very good manager.”