Archibald hails youngster McCarthy in Hearts draw

ALAN Archibald lavished praise on Partick Thistle midfielder Andrew McCarthy after the teenager starred in their 2-2 Ladbrokes Premiership draw against Hearts.

The Jags academy product made just his second Premiership start for the club at Tynecastle and cut a composed figure in the heart of midfield.

Archibald hailed the youngster’s maturity after he was drafted into the starting line-up at short notice following an injury to Liam Lindsay, proving far from overawed by going head-to-head with 63-times capped Alex Tziolis and Africa Cup of Nations winner Arnaud Djoum.

Archibald said: “We had a lot of injuries and had to bring Andy McCarthy into the middle of the pitch, as well as putting Kris Doolan in a wider area — so I think it was a fantastic performance in the circumstances.

“I was delighted with young Andy in there. He only found out he was playing on Saturday morning.

“We had decided to go with Liam Lindsay on the Friday but Liam had to pull out with a dead leg.

“We had worked on a completely different shape, and we had to change that on the day of the game, so it’s a massive credit to Andy for adjusting and performing so well.”

Thistle claimed the lead in the second period when Doolan headed home from close-range following some fine work by Steven Lawless.

Hearts equalised from the spot before Lawless put Thistle ahead once more, with Andraz Struna striking in the dying embers to rescue a point.

Ray McKinnon acknowledged his side squandered chances against the Sons.