Bring it on!

That is the spirit of the Thistle camp as they begin the season with a testing double header, starting at Beith on Saturday in the Ardagh Cup, as manager Sandy MacLean is set to go with an attacking formation.

It is a 2pm kick-off at Bellsdale Park on Saturday, and Thistle then head to play old rivals Kilbirnie Ladeside on Wednesday. 6.45pm kick-off.

During the pre-season friendlies, Largs have been creating a bundle of chances, and with it being the league cup, the Thistle boss is wanting to carry on the same momentum. However, Beith have been in impressive form, and managed a 3-1 at Linlithgow Rose during their build-up, and have been scoring lots of goals.

Silky forward Kevin Struthers has been installed as the new captain for the season ahead, while as we go to press, Largs were hoping to tie up the signing of impressive young defender Nicky Jamieson who has played in recent friendlies.

However, Largs are still looking for a back-up keeper to provide competition for Grant Weir.

"The Beith game will be tough," admitted Sandy, "but we won't be going there to play with a defensive formation - we want to have a go. It is the league cup - we want to go there and create chances, and we hope to take something from the game.

"We have had a good record at Kilbirnie - it is funny because when I was last manager at Largs, we had a good record at Valefield Park too. I am sure Kilbirnie will be well aware of our good run, including two victories last season, and will be wanting to put one over us. We will be up for the battle."

Forward Willie McClure has been struggling with an ankle injury and is unlikely to feature in the Beith clash, although Sean Lawrence is expected to be available for selection. Barry McLaughlin has a groin injury, hence why he was subbed in the Harmony Row friendly fixture, but should be fit for this weekend.