Partick Thistle midfielder Stuart Bannigan is aiming to build on his impressive showing against Ayr United and make an impact in the first team.

The youngster was handed his first start by manager Ian McCall for Saturday’s 2-1 Alba Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Brian Reid’s side and put in an assured performance in the middle of the park alongside David Rowson and Bryan Hodge.

Now the 17-year-old, who made his debut as a substitute against Clyde earlier in the competition, hopes it will be the first of many in the coming months as McCall places greater emphasis on utilising the best products of Thistle’s youth system.

“I was delighted and a little surprised to get a start against Ayr United,” Bannigan said.

“I didn’t find out that I was going to start the game until about 1.30pm and, as I’ve said, I was a little surprised, but also really looking forward to it.

“It was good, too, that my mum, dad and aunt were at the game as well.

“I really enjoyed the match although it was a wee bit hard to get into it at first.

“It was a tough 90 minutes, but in the first half I thought that things went well for us.

“Hopefully I can make a few more appearances in the first team this season, but it’s really up to the gaffer Ian McCall now.

“It would be great to get a few more games under my belt because, at this stage of my career, it’s all about gaining experience from playing at top-team level.”