Partick Thistle development squad coach Scott MacKenzie has told the club’s youngsters to use Liam Lindsay as their inspiration if they want to break into the Firhill first team in the future.

The 21-year-old came through the Thistle Weir youth academy and played under MacKenzie during his development, and is now considered one of the country’s top young centre-backs.

MacKenzie puts the rapid rise of the defender down to his great attitude and willingness to learn, and he says that there are more than a few of his current crop who could make similar progression if they apply themselves in the same way.

“I remember when Liam first came through as a big raw defender,” MacKenzie said.

“He had a lot of the attributes you are looking for in a centre-half, but he still had so much to learn. To his credit, he has knuckled down, took advice on board, and it has certainly paid off for him.

“He has to be the benchmark for the boys coming through just now like James Penrice, Andy McCarthy, Kevin Nisbet and the others. Why can’t they do the same?

“Liam was in their position not so long ago, and he has shown what can be achieved by working hard, listening to good advice and investing time in your game.

“If the lads I have just now don’t want to make those sacrifices and achieve the same things, then what’s the point?

“I have a good group just now though and with the professionalism that is throughout the club right down to the lowest age groups of the Thistle Weir academy these days, we will certainly provide these boys with every chance.

“Hopefully, it won’t be too long before you are seeing even more of them coming through into the thoughts of Alan Archibald.”

Lindsay spoke of his disappointment at missing out in a place in the Scotland squad for last night’s match against Canada, but MacKenzie has urged the youngster to be patient.

“You can’t help but wonder if Liam would have been given the shout if he was at a bigger club,” MacKenzie said.

“But I fully believe that if Liam continues to do what he has been doing, then that knock on the door will come one day soon.

“If his rate of improvement continues, there’s no reason at all why a really big club wouldn’t be interested in him at some point too, so he’s got a great future ahead.

“It’s amazing that he was never capped at under-21 level. I really hope that international recognition comes for him and we will have been proud to have played a part in getting him there.”