Archibald not rushing Bannigan back after injury

PARTICK Thistle boss Alan Archibald has urged midfielder Stuart Bannigan not to rush his return to action after 15 months out.

The former Scotland U/21 cap is finally on the verge of a competitive comeback more than a year after suffering a serious knee injury.

Archibald has promised the 24-yearold he will get plenty of opportunities to run the rust out of his legs as the Betfred Cup gets under way.

But the Jags manager is wary his player will try to do too much too soon as he looks to get back up to speed.

He said: “The main thing for Stuart is he can’t get too frustrated with himself.

“He always wants to be on top form but he won’t be at that level yet coming off the back of 15 months out.

“He’s featured in each and every closed-door game we’ve played which is encouraging, and, hopefully, that will help his sharpness.

“It’s important we don’t put too much pressure on him and we give him room to breathe and a chance to get up to speed at his own level.

“Due to injuries, Stuart will probably have to play a key role for the Betfred Cup games so it will be a real test for him over the next few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Archibald has confirmed defenders Niall Keown and Mustapha Dumbuya could miss their opening Betfred Cup clash away to Livingston on Saturday — with right-back Dumbuya looking at an extended lay-off.

And that could force the Firhill boss back into the transfer market.

“We’ve had a few small injuries,” he explained. “Niall Keown picked up a knock on his second last day with Reading which obviously leaves us a bit short at centre-half.

“That means that we’re a bit light defensively and with Ade Azeez leaving, we’ll need more up front too.”

Trialist Glen Kamara.