The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
McKenna staying power for Lichties
Arbroath midfielder Michael McKenna looks set to extend his stay at Gayfield by signing a new contract. The 30-year-old joined Dick Campbell’s side from Berwick Rangers in 2018 and has since become a fans’ favourite on the Angus coast.
In 2019, he extended his initial deal and the midfielder looks set to commit to the club once more.
The deal looks set to be finalised over the coming days, with McKenna enjoying his football with the Lichties.
It’s understood talks are also being held with a number of other players and Campbell hopes to have those contracts ironed out over the coming weeks.
McKenna has recently been playing slightly deeper in midfield but also operates as a creative player and is currently the
Championship’s leading scorer with 11 goals.
Campbell will hope his talisman will be able to help conjure up a goal against Partick Thistle at Firhill today.
Partick, like the Lichties, are on a fine run of form and have yet to concede a goal in eight games.
Campbell’s side beat the Jags 3-1 at Gayfield earlier in the season, but he knows his side will be in for a tough afternoon.
“We’ve already beaten them but they’ve earned their right to be in the top five,” he said.
“The fact they are one place above us tells you how big a game it is.”
Campbell will be without battling defender Ricky Little for the trip, who has been ruled out with a concussion sustained in last weekend’s draw with Raith.
Long-term absentee Nicky Low will also miss out, although he won’t be long in returning to the squad.
“I’ve got one or two issues with my team,” said Campbell.
“Ricky’s got concussion, so there’s the statutory absenteeism for that. Nicky is still a wee bit short.
“There will be one or two changes, but that’s my job to get the strength and depth sorted out.”
Despite just two goals separating the sides in the table, Campbell knows the expectation for each this season is nearly poles apart.
“I was a manager there, I know how big a club they are. I know the standards set there,” he said.
“The big difference between Arbroath and Partick Thistle is they need to win the league. We just need to stay in it.
“So the priorities are a bit different. There will be a big crowd there, so let’s just go and see what’s in front of us.”