PARTICK THISTLE new boy Jamie Sneddon insists he has enjoyed the perfect apprenticeship by coming through the ranks at Hearts before embracing the rough and tumble of senior football with Cowdenbeath. 

The 19-year-old goalkeeper has penned a two-year deal with the Jags after impressing for the Blue Brazil last season, despite the Fifers finishing bottom of League 2. 

Indeed, the young shot-stopper was the hero as Cowden preserved their SPFL status, saving the decisive penalty kick from Paul Woods in the play-off final shootout against East Kilbride. 

As well as making 34 appearances for Cowdenbeath in the last three years, Sneddon boasts a fine pedigree in youth football, having been on the books of Hearts as a schoolboy before leaving in search of first-team football.

And he hopes to use all of those experiences as he prepares to battle Tomas Cerny for the gloves at Firhill. 

“It was great to get experience with Cowdenbeath,” said Sneddon. “It wasn’t a great time for the club but good for me. It was a great experience to be playing at that level at such a young age.

“I came through the Hearts academy, from 11 through to 17, and then I joined Cowden.

“You can be full time all you want but if you’re just playing under-20s, it’s much different to first team. So, it’s great to have played all those games already.”