Thistle loan star: I won't be fazed by the Irn men

As exclusively revealed in yesterday's SportTimes, the 18-year-old England youth international joined up at Firhill on a six-month loan deal.

And Connor has vowed not to be intimidated by the SFL's defensive hardmen.

He said: "The manager, Ian McCall, has told me all about the nature of the First Division and the lads in the squad have also told me what I can expect, so I am well warned. But I have been through all of that with Everton in the English Reserve League.

"I am a very direct player and I can slot in on either the left or right wing and, if a defender wants to chop me, then I will pick myself up and run at him again.

"So I have no problem getting kicked as that is part and parcel of being a winger. In any case, the more free-kicks I can get for the side in dangerous areas the better."

The 5ft 6in teenager will go straight into Thistle's squad for tomorrow's trip to Stirling Albion, where there is a chance he could even be handed a start.

But while Connor admits he has pace to burn and a trick or two, he is not underestimating the importance of the elusive end-product as vital to him making an effective contribution for Thistle.

He said: "I know the criticism often levelled at wingers is that they don't deliver an end product but I work very hard on putting a quality ball into the box in training. At Everton, Andy van der Meyde was a huge influence and he spent a lot of time with me working on my delivery.

"Now I am here at Partick I hopefully will get the chance to work on that in a competitive environment. But I am here to play every week if I can and hopefully that can start with a debut tomorrow at Stirling."

And Connor has revealed Goodison boss David Moyes will keep close tabs on his progress.

He said: "David Moyes had me into his office and explained how much he thought I could learn from getting regular first- team football with Partick in the Scottish First Division.

"He also said he would have me watched regularly and explained what a great chance this was for me in terms of my development. Really, I just can't wait to get started."

However, Connor's intro- duction represents the intriguing possibility that McCall will open the campaign with two wingers at Forthbank, something that has not been seen in a Thistle team for some considerable time and, of course, is a rarity in the Scottish game.

With Stevie Murray a certain starter, that would mean Adam Strachan's place on the flank will be the one that comes under pressure. If Connor's delivery has indeed held up under intense scrutiny during training there is every likelihood the Everton kid will jump ahead of Strachan.

And, with the Binos being without defensive rock and rearguard organiser in chief, Mark McNally, the chances are that McCall will commit to attack. With Mark Roberts and Liam Buchanan offering mobility up front in the middle the hope is that the new Thistle attack will be pacey rather than pedestrian.

McCall was upbeat about the impending battle with Allan Moore's men.

He fired: "I am just delighted that the friendlies are over and done with. I am expecting us to take well over 1,000 fans to Forthbank and, if that is the case, it should be a cracking atmosphere. I hope my players will react to that and I am sure they will.

"We are going for the win, although we are under no illusion as to just how tough that will be against a promoted Stirling team determined to get off to a flyer in front of their own fans."

Australian trialist Simon Storey may deputise for Marc Twaddle if the latter fails to convince McCall of his fitness for a starting spot.

Skipper Jimmy Gibson and midfielder Ryan McStay are suspended.