Knee injury could rule Partick Thistle's Stuart Bannigan out for the season

Partick Thistle have suffered a major blow with the news that Stuart Bannigan could miss the entire season.

The midfielder has been out since suffering a knee injury against Hearts on March 5 but had been expected back early in the season. However, the knee has not responded to treatment and Bannigan now faces surgery.

A Thistle statement read: "Having consulted with one of the country's best knee specialists the decision was taken that the best course of action to get Stuart back playing as soon as possible was continued physiotherapy and rehabilitation.

"In recent weeks though it became clear that this course of action was not progressing as was expected and, following further consultation, it was decided that knee surgery is the only way forward, meaning the player is looking at a recovery period of six to nine months."

The 23-year-old had looked set to move on from Thistle towards the end of last season but he performed a U-turn in late June and signed a new two-year contract.

The club statement continued: "When Stuart signed both parties were well aware of the nature of his injury and understood that a lengthy spell on the sidelines was a possibility. What everyone knows for certain is that Stuart remains an excellent player and a great asset to Partick Thistle Football Club.

"Obviously this news is a massive blow for the player and the club but the entire medical team will be working closely with Stuart for as long as it takes to get him back to full fitness."