RYAN HOPING LINDSAY STAYS ATJAGS FOR A LITTLE LONGER

RYAN EDWARDS wants Scotland prospect Liam Lindsay to stay and help Partick push on from their top-six finish next season.

Central defensive star Lindsay was the only member of the PFA Scotland Team of the Year not to hail from the division’s top two clubs, Celtic and Aberdeen.

And it’s not only Ladbrokes Premiership opposition up close to the 6ft 4in stopper who have been impressed by his progression. Charlton and Bolton are among the English admirers of Lindsay, who is under contract until 2019.

‘Liam’s had a great season in both boxes, he’s a defensive rock and he’s chipped in with very important goals,’ said Edwards.

‘He’s got a great future and he’s shown at a young age he can do it at a high level. He has proved he is one of the best defenders in the league, so why can’t he do it at a big club?

‘Hopefully we can keep hold of him, but it’s a short career. He can go on to big things.’

The centre of defence has been considered a problem position for the Scotland national team. Lindsay’s rate of improvement at the age of 21 suggests he could offer a solution in the years to come.

‘When you are picking your team of the year and thinking who has done well, everyone is going to put Liam Lindsay’s name in so that is testament to how he’s done this season,’ said the Australian midfielder.

‘There are some great players in the league, especially defenders. It’s great for him and hopefully that puts him on the radar for the national team. I think he deserves it.’

Lindsay today faces an Aberdeen side with four victories over Thistle this season, including eliminating them from the Scottish Cup at the quarter-final stage.

Graeme Shinnie’s goal was the difference between the teams that day at Pittodrie. Another touted for Scotland recognition, the 25-year-old Dons star believes he’s cemented his future as a midfielder this term after previously impressing at left-back.

‘I feel like a midfielder this season, whereas last term it was kind of mixed between the two,’ he said.

‘If I need to play left back because Andy Considine is out or there’s a switch in formation then I can do that.

‘But the manager sees me as a central midfielder and I have thoroughly enjoyed playing there.’