ALAN ARCHIBALD is on the hunt for another midfielder to complete his January shopping spree.

The Partick Thistle boss has added four players - Lyle Taylor, Gary Fraser, Lee Mair and Chris Erskine - to his squad so far this month and is keen to dip into the transfer market once again before the window closes next Friday night.

The Jags head into tomorrow's clash with relegation rivals St Mirren eleventh in the Premiership standings following their 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone on Tuesday night.

Skipper Sean Welsh will again miss out for Archibald's side, while summer signing Isaac Osbourne has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign through injury.

Archibald said: "We are still hopeful of getting players in. We probably need one more. We are a bit light in the middle of the pitch. Sean is still out. He is a couple of weeks away, we think, but we can't take the gamble in case he breaks down again.

"We are missing him and Osbourne and, with Stuart Bannigan suspended, that is three vital midfield players we have been without and we have struggled. We are looking for someone with experience, a defensive midfielder, someone who can put their foot on the ball, pass, tackle, get about the pitch and lead by example, like Osbourne did and Welsh does.

"We will take whatever we can get. It is more likely to be a loan. I don't think anyone will go the other way. We have not had any offers for any of our players."

After seeing their winless run at Firhill extended as they went down to the Saints, Thistle face Danny Lennon's side aiming to haul themselves out of the play-off zone.

Defender Mair will make his Paisley return just over a week after he was released by the Buddies. Archibald said: "I think he will look forward to going back. I looked forward to going back to my old club. Lee probably has a point to prove.

"I went to the Aberdeen game when he got put in and he turned around their season with the draw they got that night. I think he played a few games, then got an injury, and never got back in.

"He has nothing to prove to us, but he might have something to prove to them."