DAVID SMITH may already have one very special gold medal in his trophy cabinet but, for the football Special Olympian, season 2009/10 could be about to get even more memorable.

DAVID SMITH may already have one very special gold medal in his trophy cabinet but, for the football Special Olympian, season 2009/10 could be about to get even more memorable.

The lifelong Partick Thistle fan starred at centre-back for the West of Scotland Special Olympics team that struck gold at Leicester City's Walker's Stadium this summer.

Such was the quality of his performances, David is now being assessed by the Team GB selectors for a place in the British squad to head for Poland and the European Championships early next year.

And David, who combines his work as a janitor in Glasgow's east end with his great sporting passion, believes his year could get better still, even if his GB selection dream were to come true.

The only way that could happen, though, would be if his beloved Jags were able to win the First Division title this season and get back into the SPL.

He said: "I have been a season ticket man in the Jackie Husband stand for the last nine years and I never miss a home game.

"If I could make the Great Britain team and Thistle went up it would make it a season I would never forget.

"Representing West of Scotland at the Special Olympics was wonderful.

"When we paraded around the pitch in Leicester and when the pictures were beamed out on the big screen in the stadium, it was just an amazing moment for all of us.

"Then to make it into the final, where we beat West Midlands 3-2, just rounded off a great week.

"We thought we might do well enough at the start of the event, but to win it outright was brilliant.

"It was probably the proudest moment of my football career so far."

David, who also plays for Firhill Football Club, revealed that a few words of encouragement from Thistle star Simon Donnelly could help him earn his treasured Great Britain special needs international cap.

The 23-year-old revealed: "After the Special Olympics I was paraded in front of the fans at Firhill with my gold medal and they gave me a great reception. It was an emotional moment.

"But I also got to meet Simon Donnelly that day and he is probably my favourite Thistle player.

"Sid gave me a lot of advice which has been a great help. The main thing he told me was just to relax, be myself and never be scared to make a pass.

"I play at centre-half and hopefully one of my best qualities is being able to bring the ball out from the back and make a pass.

"Every time I play I always remember Sid's words. They have given me a lot of confidence."