Jags colt bangs the drum for Fife loan

PARTICK Thistle colt James Penrice is hoping that his loan spell at East Fife can propel him into the Firhill first team.

The 18-year-old prospect has been a standout performer for Barry Smith’s men since going to Bayview in January, and he is certain that he will be returning to his parent club better for the experience.

And while he is all too aware that he faces a battle to break into a Thistle side who are performing consistently well in the top flight of late, the left-back has his sights sets on becoming an integral part of Alan Archibald’s squad.

“The plan is to take as much out of the experience at East Fife as I can,” Penrice said.

“It’s been a real eye-opener for me playing against experienced players, and playing with some of the experienced guys at the club has helped me too.

“Some of them have been in my position before and it hasn’t worked out for them in the Premiership for whatever reason, so they are able to advise me on where I can go right where they might have gone wrong.

“Everyone has been really great with me, and hopefully I can repay the favour by helping East Fife into the play-offs.

“I have the best of both worlds because I am still training with Thistle for part of the week too, so the manager is always talking to me and asking how I am getting on.

“The target after this season has to be coming back to Thistle in the summer, knuckling down and trying my best to catch the manager’s eye for next season.”

Trying to dislodge Callum Booth from the regular left-back slot will be a huge task for the youngster, but he revealed the man currently in possession of the jersey has been a big help to him.

“Boothy is always passing on tips to me,” he said. “All of the guys are good like that to be fair, and the youth set-up at Thistle is so good now they always make sure you’re on the right track.

“All the young guys are doing extra stuff after training. We all just want to be the best we can be.”