LIAM BUCHANAN will be ready for the start of Partick Thistle's new campaign against Queen's Park on July 26.

Buckie was Jags' top scorer last term with 14 goals - despite the fact he didn't kick a ball for the last four months of the season after being out with a groin injury.

However, the hitman has come through his first set of rehab training under new Firhill physio Don Lennox.

And, although the 23-year-old may not be able to start full pre-season next Monday, Lennox is cautiously optimistic Buckie will be ready for the big kick-off.

The Jags physio said: "Full-on pre-season is maybe a week too early for Liam. I would say he will need another week before joining the rest of the lads at full pelt. That is a cautious estimate as we don't want to put any pressure on Liam, but it is also realistic.

"This first week will be crucial as it will give an insight into Liam's reaction and we must be careful to get him through it.

"If we do, hopefully he will be on course. The bottom line is I am confident Liam will be fit for the opening game and that is what matters."

Lennox revealed there are no shortcuts to full recovery. He said: "Liam has Osteitis Pubis, which is a very difficult injury to pinpoint at the onset, and he has had this problem for over four months now. To come in at this time makes it a difficult problem for me to deal with. But, if he adheres rigidly to his rehab programme, he will be okay.

"I am hopeful that by taking Liam right back to strengthening and stretching he will be as good as new. This requires patience because there are no shortcuts."

And Buchanan himself was bullish after his opening batch of training sessions.

He said: "It is great to get back and get the first couple of sessions under my belt and so far things are looking pretty good. I do feel better in myself and I will continue with the strengthening, rehab and also doing some weights for the remainder of the week and we will see how it goes from there.

"The problem is that mentally it is hard to self-diagnose whether the problem is still there or not. Obviously I have been suffering from this condition since February and your mind is apt to play tricks on you when you get the slightest ache.

"After the first sprint session there was an ache, but it has gone and I am pretty positive."

Buchanan added: "I would like to thank Sandy Greaves of Greaves Sports for giving me a special pair of trainers for my sprinting. I have orthotic insoles and I needed a pair of trainers to go with them and I am much indebted to Sandy for providing these."