Spittal convinced he is in the best place to become a force for Thistle

Partick Thistle new boy Blair Spittal believes Alan Archibald is getting the best out of him – because he has finally worked out his best position.

The 21-year-old felt he was unable to show his true abilities at former club Dundee United because he was regularly shifted from one role to another.

But Firhill boss Archibald has singled out the wide-right slot in his five-man midfield specifically for him and now he says he is benefiting.

Spittal, pictured, who has scored three goals in his first three appearances, said: “Throughout my career I have played a number of positions, but I think the manager is getting the best out of me in the role I’m playing now. It’s all good being versatile, but there comes a time when I need to nail down a position and be consistent in my performances. Before I signed, I spoke to the gaffer about where he saw me playing and we both agreed that I’m more of a wideman. He’s given me the opportunity to play there now and the freedom to express myself.

“Hopefully now that I have got the chance and that I’m playing well I can get a lengthy run in the one slot.”

Spittal has quickly formed a close on-field bond with Thistle colleagues Chris Erskine, Stevie Lawless and Kris Doolan and he admits he is thriving under Archibald’s tutelage.

“I’m enjoying it here,” he said. “The type of football we want to play involves getting the ball down at every opportunity.

“That was a big part in my decision to come here. There will be times when you have to mix it up a bit and go in behind teams, but largely we like to keep it on the deck. It makes it so much easier to play when you have guys like Chris Erskine, Stevie Lawless and Kris Doolan. They are always on the move. It helps that I played with Squiddy [Erskine] at United so we have good chemistry already.”

The Jags will seal their place in the Betfred Cup last 16, so long as they take care of final Group H opponents Stranraer today, and Spittal is not expecting any slip-ups. He said: “It’s not going to be an easy game. We just need to make sure we’re ready for the test, but I’m sure we will be.”