Bannigan aiming to repay Thistle's loyalty

Stuart Bannigan insists he can fulfil his footballing ambitions with Partick Thistle after knocking back moves away from Firhill.

The Jags midfielder looked set to quit the Maryhill outfit when his contract expired at the end of last term, having previously stated he was ready for a fresh challenge and was linked with moves to high-flying Aberdeen as well as clubs in England.

But a serious knee injury sustained at the beginning of March ultimately altered the 23-year-old's outlook and he decided to stay put with Alan Archibald's men and signed a new two-year deal last month.

But while Thistle have struggled in recent seasons, Bannigan still reckons they can take him to the level he wants to play at.

He said: "It's just great to get everything sorted because my mind was a wee bit frazzled with everything that went on.

"There was a bit of uncertainty over the summer, with three or four weeks of not quite knowing what was happening. But I was always in contact with the manager and came in to see the physio a couple of times a week, so I never really left the club.

"I'm comfortable here. I know everyone here really well. This is the first time I've ever been injured and it's new experience for me, so I thought it was beneficial for me to stay at a club I know try to build this club up again.

"There was a bit of contact made with other clubs but nothing concrete. There was a couple of teams in there definitely but I chose Thistle in the end.

"I love it here. This is a big club. We're in the top league and have ambitions to move up and do well. I have ambitions myself to go as high as I can and believe I can achieve it here.''

Bannigan badly twisted his knee in a Tynecastle clash with Hearts and is still not sure when he will return to action.

Although he is hopeful he will not be out for too much longer he does admit the uncertainty may have worried the clubs interested in his signature.

"I don't know if the injury put some clubs off but it probably made them stall a wee bit,'' he said.

"If it was a hamstring injury you know it's going to be six weeks but the way the injury is right now we don't know how long it's going to be.''

Archibald, though, had no hesitation in offering him fresh terms and Bannigan is grateful.

He said: "He made it clear he wanted me here. He's done wonders for me as a player over the years and to work with him for another two years will only improve me.

"I want to repay the club's loyalty. They didn't need to take me back but they have welcomed me back with open arms, so I definitely owe them one.''