PARTICK THISTLE have announced the signing of Falkirk forward Anton Dowds on a pre-contract agreement.

The striker's deal at the League One club expires at the end of the season, when the 25-year-old will complete his move to Firhill after signing a two-year contract this afternoon.

Dowds caught the eye when playing for Heriot Watt University, earning a move to East Fife in 2018 before eventually joining Falkirk in 2020.

The centre-forward spent the first half of this season on loan at Arbroath, scoring five times in 18 outings for Dick Campbell's side, before returning to the Falkirk Stadium.

Manager Ian McCall has moved to reinforce his team's attacking ranks and with good reason. Alex Jakubiak and Juan Alegria, on loan at Thistle from Dundee and Rangers respectively, are expected to return to their parent clubs, while Zak Rudden will make his move to Dundee permanent in the summer.

It left Brian Graham as the Jags' sole recognised striker signed up for the new campaign but Dowds will also share the goal scoring mantle next term.

Thistle have been linked with a pre-contract move for Cove Rangers full-back Harry Milne and the statement announcing Dowds' arrival hinted that another new signing will follow.

"Manager Ian McCall continues to work hard to build his squad for next season and hopefully our next signing announcement won’t be left back for too long," the statement concluded.