Thistle boss Stuart Davidson is hoping that hat-trick hero Joe Knowles continues to dazzle Premier Division defences, including Cumnock who Largs face on Saturday at Townhead Park, 1.45pm kick-off.

The Largs manager has said that Knowles, who has twice featured for Greenock Morton during recent friendly matches, is on the look-out for a full-time professional contract.

Morton manager Jonatan Johansson has also been interviewed on the striker, and has said he is keeping close tabs on the forward.

The Aussie striker, who played for Perth Glory in the A-league last season, has scored eight goals in 11 appearances for the Barrfields outfit, including a crucial goal in Thistle's victory in the Scottish Cup at Darvel.

Davidson said: "From the very beginning, we knew Joe would be with us until January and then he would be looking to pursue a full-time contract.

"He has been training at Morton and it is something that he is aiming for. We knew from the start that that was the deal. "For Joe's sake, coming across to Scotland from Australia, it is a big commitment from him and I would like to see him get a full-time contract and make his way at the top level."

Looking ahead to the Cumnock match, with both sides drawing 3-3 at Barrfields in early September, Davidson anticipates a tough but winnable clash.

He said: "We showed in the last game versus Cumnock that we were more than a match for them. Twice we went ahead in the game and in the end I was very disappointed not to win that match.

"We have the players who can go there and win, and it is all about keeping our concentration, as I know we have the capabilities to hurt any team when we are on our game."

The Thistle boss was delighted with the superb 6-0 win over Kilbirnie Ladeside in the league which moves Largs back up to fifth spot in the division.

He said: "Credit to Kilbirnie as they started the game well and got into our faces, and were winning first and second balls, but we didn't panic and the boys kept plugging away until we got that foothold in the game.

"They brought their style of game to us and we dealt with.

"And young Danny Farrell made a great save to prevent Kilbirnie from taking the lead and that could have changed the game. It was an important moment.

"It was a high quality first goal with Mark Millar winning possession and setting up Joe Knowles for a great finish.

"A few of our goals were great attacking moves and it shows when you have pace in your side that you can always make chances.

"Joe's third goal was a great run and finish but there was some great work in the build-up including Scott Adam who dropped into midfield, and it was a great run from Graham Muir.

"Joe was fantastic, but I was delighted with Scott Adam who showed great desire and it was good to see him on the scoresheet with two goals. The last few games for us, they've been great."

"For the Kilbirnie sending off, their boy caught Laurie really late and I thought it was a fair decision."

Looking at the goalkeeping situation, with Farrell's loan deal with Morton ending on January 5, Davidson said: "We will have a word with him and talk to Morton, and hopefully we can sort something else out for the remainder of the season."

On the injury front, Kevin Struthers had missed recent games with a knee injury but has returned to training, Paul Harkins hurt his hamstring at Darvel and John Carter is still on the mend.

Historically Largs have never won a league match at Cumnock, although they did win at Townshead Park in the Ayrshire Cup around six years ago, and also beat Cumnock 3-0 in the Ayrshire Cup Final at Bellsdale Park in 2013.

Also look out for the Largs Thistle stall which will have a number of merchandise gifts including new calenders at the yuletide evening on Wednesday 5 December.

Thistle will also be keeping an eye on the Macron Scottish Cup fifth round draw which will be made on Friday evening at 8pm on Rocksport Radio. You can watch on twitter, Facebook or periscope @rocksportdab or live on youtube at rocksport radio official