Liam Lindsay says that his nomination for the Partick Thistle McCrea Financial Services Player of the Year award is the perfect way to round off his ‘coming of age’ season with the club.

The young centre-back has been outstanding for Thistle this year, and has been an integral part of their defence as they have racked up an impressive 13 clean sheets in all competitions this term.

The 21-year-old was punished for a few high-profile mistakes during his breakthrough campaign last year, but he has put his improved showings down to the greater experience he now has at this level.

And he has thanked manager Alan Archibald for sticking with him during those difficult moments, and for maintaining his faith that his prospect would come good.

“I do feel as though this season has been a bit of a coming of age for me,” Lindsay said.

“The first year was about getting my bearings and getting used to the league and being in a first-team environment really.

“This year I’ve took it all in my stride and I’ve been enjoying it, which has been the main thing. I think you play better when you’re enjoying it and the confidence is flowing.

“It’s been good and I’m thankful to the gaffer and Scotty [Paterson] for having faith in me and continuing to stick with me.

“I’ve got used to it a wee bit more now and experience goes a long way, especially in my position.

“I made a couple of mistakes last year and they cost us a few goals, but I’m not the type of person to worry about what happened in the past, I can just move on.

“Obviously that night you’re a bit down, but after that there is always the next game to redeem yourself.

“I’m happier with how this season has went, and obviously to be nominated for the player of the year has given me even more confidence. I just want to give back to the fans and the players that I’m playing with.

“It’s gone better than I could ever have expected. I wasn’t thinking about top six I don’t think last summer, and then particularly after the start we had as well.

“I think that it’s credit to all the players and the staff. We’ve all just clicked and it’s been brilliant to be a part of.”

Lindsay is in the running for the player of the year gong alongside no fewer than five of his teammates, an indication of just how well the Thistle players have performed this season.

And while he would be honoured to receive the award, he was candid enough to admit that in his opinion, one of his Jags teammates would be a more than worthy recipient.

“Any of the guys nominated could win, and there could probably be a few more nominated for it, so it just shows you how well the team have played,” he said.

“It will be a tough call, but I would say Ryan Edwards must be up there.

“He’s been so consistent all season, constantly running about and always doing so well for the team. You need somebody like that and I would say he deserves it.”

With award nominations and impressive performances come covetous glances from other clubs, with a young, strong centre-back surely near the top of many clubs’ shopping lists this summer.

But Lindsay shows maturity beyond his years as he brushes off the speculation surrounding his future.

“I always keep a level head, but if a team comes in for me then they come in for me and we’ll see what happens,” he said.

“I’m with Thistle and that’s all I’m focusing on, just playing well and concentrating on these last five games.

“It’s obviously nice and it gives you confidence when other teams are looking at you, but I owe it to the manager to focus on the job and I owe it to my teammates to go out on a Saturday and do the team proud.”

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