Paul Gallacher relishing chance to get gloves back on
Paul Gallacher aims to seize an unexpected chance to resume his playing career and help Partick take some Ladbrokes Premiership points against Dundee on Saturday.
Gallacher made 39 appearances over the previous two seasons as he combined his role as goalkeeping coach with that of providing cover and competition for Scott Fox, who left for Ross County in the summer.
Partick manager Alan Archibald brought in Tomas Cerny as a replacement and made Ryan Scully second-choice keeper, leaving Gallacher to focus on coaching.
However, Scully was sent off in the 4-0 defeat to Hearts last weekend after an ankle injury ruled Cerny out for six weeks, and it means Gallacher is set to make his first appearance of the campaign at Dens Park.
"It's a big game for the club and myself and I'm looking forward to it," the 36-year-old said.
"It's obviously come at a cost with the injury to Tomas and Ryan's suspension but it's a chance for me to go and play.
"I train with the guys every day and I'm working hard so I'm not getting chucked into the deep end.
"I've not had a lot of game time this season so it's going to be a tough ask for me but I'm sure the guys will help me out."
Tomas Cerny (ankle) remains out and Ryan Scully is suspended following his red card against Hearts. Christie Elliott (back) is a long-term absentee.
Dundee manager Paul Hartley has warned his players not to be fooled by Partick's 4-0 defeat by Hearts.
Thistle are second bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership ahead of their visit to Dens Park after a three-match unbeaten run came to an abrupt halt last weekend.
But Hartley will give Thistle every respect when they face his team..
Hartley, whose side have taken two points from three games despite twice being ahead against 10 men, said: "We will have to be 100 per cent at it. Watching their Hearts game last week, the played well in the first half. They've shown a good improvement since the last time we played them.
"Thistle are a passing team. We've looked at footage of most of their games and they definitely like to pass the ball.
"They've had some decent results recently apart from last Saturday but they were right in the game until half time. So we expect a tough game.
"They've got good attacking options and create a lot of chances.
"But we want to try and get a good result before the break. That's important for us because you've got two weeks to look at things and hopefully we can climb back into the top six."
Dundee welcome midfielder Kevin Thomson back to the squad, but James McPake remains out with a groin injury and fellow centre-back Julen Etxabeguren again misses out with an ankle problem.
Source: PAR
