Partick Thistle v Airdrie United: Alba Cup

Oct 12 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

PARTICK THISTLE star Chris Turner has revealed how Rangers' humiliating Champions League exit ruined his chances of signing for the Ibrox club.

The Northern Ireland Under-21 skipper spent a month on trial at Murray Park in the summer trying to win a deal at his boyhood heroes.

But while he was impressing Gers boss Walter Smith the club suffered a shock defeat to Lithuanian minnows FBK Kaunas and crashed out of Europe at the first hurdle.

Initially, Turner thought that might IMPROVE his chances of a contract but instead Smith reacted by spending £8.5million on midfielders - ending Chris' chances of staying on.

Ian McCall handed him a lifeline at Thistle and the 21-year-old is loving life at Firhill.

Now he's desperate to reach his first final when Jags take on Airdrie United in the the ALBA Challenge Cup semis today.

Turner also believes if he can excel in the First Division he may get the chance to go back to Ibrox one day.

He said: "I had a great time with Rangers, it was a dream just to be involved at the club because I'm a fan. The circumstances didn't help me though.

"When Rangers got knocked out of Europe by Kaunas they were struggling a bit and I thought that might help me win a contract.

"But then they made a few huge signings in my position, central midfield.

"I probably couldn't have picked a worst time to try to get a deal because they went out and signed Pedro Mendes, Steve Davis and Maurice Edu!

"I don't want to dwell on it, all I'm concentrating on now is doing well for Thistle.

"I'd love to go back to Murray Park one day or play for a club of that stature.

"I'm confident enough in my own ability that I can do it."

Chris can't wait for today's live TV showdown after suffering heartache in the Irish Cup with former club Sligo Rovers.

The Challenge Cup may not be the most prestigious in Scotland but Turner is adamant Thistle's squad are determined to get their hands on the trophy.

The Irish ace, who scored his first Jags goal in the quarter-final win over Livingston, said: "It would be brilliant to reach a final in my first two months here.

"It would be my first final as a professional so I can't wait.

"I got to the FAI semi in Ireland with Sligo. We drew with Derry City in the first game then lost the replay so that was a real disappointment.

"I got my first goal for Thistle against Livi and it was great to get off the mark on my debut.

"I'm loving it here but I've not been surprised by the standard.

"I knew I was going to a tough league where there are some excellent players.

"My main aim is to get into Partick's starting 11 and stay there because so far I've only been used from the bench.

"But I feel I'm ready to start.

My match fitness is good now and I'm hoping to get my chance soon.

"It doesn't matter that it's the ALBA Challenge Cup, it's all about winning and getting medals.

"That's what you'll look back on at the end of your career. All the boys are of the same mindset - we're looking forward to it and will go all out to win."