Kinniburgh Happy To Pitch In

Jan 20 2008

Partick V Dunfermline Tues, Kick Off 7.45pm

PARTICK THISTLE players have spent the week slaughtering the dozy groundsman who forgot to turn on Firhill's undersoil heating before last week's postponed cup clash with Dunfermline.

But while that cock-up was the latest hitch caused by the groundsharing deal with rugby's Glasgow Warriors there's one guy at Firhill who's happy just to be stepping on to any pitch.

After a frustrating spell at Motherwell, Willie Kinniburgh has found a new lease of life since joining the Jags on loan last month. And he insists coping with a bobbly surface is far better than sitting on a smooth bench.

Ahead of Tuesday's rearranged clash Kinniburgh said: "He's a good groundsman but has been getting it tight from the lads.

"We turned up last Saturday convinced the game would be on only to find the pitch frozen solid. And the chances are it will be pretty cut up for Tuesday.

"There was a rugby game on Friday, our league match on Saturday and - after all the rain - the surface won't be the best.

"But I have played on worse and if you get used to the bobbles it can work to your advantage. I'm just pleased to be playing regularly again on any pitch.

"It was frustrating not featuring at Motherwell although Mark McGhee was good with me. He said he'd let me know when I needed games and sent me on loan.

"I'm pleased Thistle gave me this chance and I'm not worried about making myself cup tied. I can only look at the present and that is playing for Thistle."