Scott McDonald comes out of retirement to sign for Partick Thistle

Partick Thistle have lured former Celtic and Australia striker Scott McDonald out of retirement in a bid to boost their battle against the Ladbrokes Championship drop.

The 35-year-old appeared to have hung up his boots after a stint at Dundee United last season.

On his official Twitter account profile, he even described himself as an "ex pro baller'' and has instead spent the past six months concentrating on his new punditry career.

But the former Motherwell poacher has now been persuaded to return to action by his old Parkhead team-mate Gary Caldwell as the Jags boss plots a route to safety for his side.

McDonald, who hit 16 goals in 42 games for United last term, has signed a short-term deal until the end of the campaign.

Thistle currently sit bottom of the table, a point below nearest rivals Alloa, and McDonald could make his debut against the Wasps on Saturday when Caldwell's men travel to the Indodrill Stadium.

With leaders Ross County on Irn-Bru Cup semi-final duty against East Fife this weekend, Ayr can move level on points at the top if they can claim victory over Morton at Cappielow.

Third-placed Dundee United travel to Queen of the South, while Dunfermline host Inverness.

Pars boss Stevie Crawford is still waiting for his first win, five games on from replacing Allan Johnson.

The Fifers sit two points above the relegation zone but Crawford is refusing to worry.

He told the club's official website: "I'm convinced the quality is in there but it's just the confidence is a little bit down at the moment.

"To perform the way we did for 45 minutes against Ross County last week, though, hopefully that can give the boys some confidence to go on and start winning games.'