It may only be the third week of the league season but Thistle are shaping up for one of their biggest games of the season to date against Troon at Barrfields in the league.

Thistle boss Stuart Davidson believes his team will be fit and refreshed for this Saturday's big fixture, 2pm kick-off, after his leg weary side finished up with a 2-2 draw against Kilsyth on Saturday, following last Wednesday's dramatic late defeat at Hurlford in the last eight of the Ardagh Cup.

Stuart, a.k.a Arnie, said: "I feel our players are ready for Troon - we have had a lot of big games in recent weeks against the likes of Beith, Hurlford and Kilwinning, and I think we are well prepared. Troon had an impressive 7-1 win over Maryhill last weekend, and they will be one of the teams hunting for the title, so I am expecting a really tough game."

Thistle midfielder Ryan McKie, who impressed in the pre-season, is returning to some light training after injury, while Iain Fisher missed the recent Kilsyth game after sustaining an ankle injury against Hurlford.

Competition is heating up in the midfield too, and the Thistle boss said: "Birdy (Stephen Burden) and Gary Fleming have had to bide their time and need to force their way into the team, and take their chance. There is good competition with Muiry (Graham Muir) and Jamie Campbell having done well."

And Largs have also been boosted by a new signing in Alec McWatters who is a familiar face at Barrfields after a successful loan period last year from Greenock Morton, and featuring in recent matches as a trialist.

Arnie said: "I am delighted to have signed up Alex - he got injured at the end of last season and we were waiting for our opportunity. He has decided to come to us and what we get with Alex is that he works hard, and he created and scores goals. He is a great addition to the squad."

And the Thistle boss also had praise for winger Martin Orr, signed from Greenock Juniors, who has been an ever present danger to the opposition throughout the season to date.

Arnie said: "Martin has been fantastic and worked really hard in pre-season. He tells me he is a right-back, but he has done great for us on the wing, and gets up and down that park, creating and netting opportunities."

The Thistle gaffer felt his side had enough chances to win last Wednesday's quarter final before falling in the last minute to a penalty kick, and has urged his side to continue to show the great resolve and belief which has seen them bounce back this season, highlighting the side's 4-0 recovery against Maryhill, three days after defeat at Kilwinning.