FIRST OFF THE FOOT

Andrew’s out to leapfrog County before the Bells

ANDREW McCARTHY admits Partick are desperate to bring in the New Year by pulling themselves off the foot of the Premiership table.

The 19-year-old midfielder knows claiming three points today against a Ross County side who sit above them on goal difference is a must ahead of the winter break.

Despite the Jags claiming just four wins from 21 league games so far this season, the youngster is adamant a victory over the Staggies can be the catalyst for a more prosperous 2018.

He said: “Every game is a big one at the moment so hopefully we can get a positive result to lift us off the bottom going into the winter break.

“If we can do that it will be a huge boost to everyone at the club. It will be massive if we can be off the bottom for January.

“We’re a positive group but that would lift us even further and with players hopefully coming back from

GORDON PARKS

injury in January it could really help us kick on in 2018.”

McCarthy has managed to force his way into Alan Archibald’s first-team plans in recent weeks and is determined to make his mark on a more permanent basis as he continues to learn.

He said: “It has been a good month for me as I got good game time against Celtic and Aberdeen.

“It’s not about the opposition though – it’s more about the experience and getting the minutes I need on the pitch.

“I’m hungry to play a bigger part by featuring in more games so hopefully that will continue into 2018. I have been playing alongside two players who have hardly missed a game for us this season in Ryan Edwards and Adam Barton.

“For someone who is still learning it really helps to have that experience alongside you.

“Not only do you know where you need to be with both of them but they help talk you through games at times as well.

“We know how to play together and enjoy it too. Between training and matches you get plenty of experience of different playing styles and that can only be a good thing.”