PARTICK THISTLE striker Liam Buchanan may need surgery for the groin condition that has sidelined him since February.

I understand that despite an extensive summer rehabilitation programme and round the clock physiotherapy, the Osteitis Pubis condition that brought Buckie's season to a premature end has not responded.

It is believed that Jags' top scorer from last season with 14 goals will see a Leicester-based specialist tonight for an expert opinion on whether surgery will be required.

The good news for a Thistle support that saw their side draw a blank in last night's 1-0 defeat by Burnley, is that even with an op, the buzzbomb could still return as early as August.

That will do nothing to quell the worries of Firhill denizens who once again saw their side's lack of firepower exposed by a multi-million pound Clarets side.

Ian McCall fielded two Trinidadian trialists, but though the player who filled the No.7 shirt got a full 90 minutes, I believe neither did enough to persuade Corky to sign them.

McCall and No.2 Gerry Britton will both be out at matches tonight scouting further frontline targets.

But leaving aside his striker worries, McCall is satisfied with his teams preparations for Saturday's Challenge Cup tie against Queen's Park.

The Jags boss said: "Burnley are a good side who will be challenging for the Championship. The biggest difference was in size, but we battled away and we had five or six on the bench who will start against Queen's.

"The boys did OK but we need two really good strikers. The No. 7 did all right but I will be holding my nerve. It was a worthwhile exercise and Burnley were a step up from Carlisle."

McCall added: "The Burnley game must be taken in the context of the different budgets with which the teams were put together. I think we are ready for Saturday and I have not given up hope of a signing."

Thistle look solid at the back and the signing of ex-St Mirren centre-half Ian Maxwell looks good business, while young Paul Paton could prove a revelation at right-back this term.

Midfield is not short of resources but up front Thistle need new blood. The concern is that if none arrives, even allowing for a best case scenario of Buchanan's return before the end of August, the Jags' lack of a goal threat could stall any hopes of promotion.

It wasn't all one-way traffic for Burnley. Paul Paton's surge into the Clarets' box saw ex-Dundee United defender Christian Kalvenes appear to haul him down but referee Stevie Conroy waved away his penalty claims.

Then, on the stroke of half-time Joey Gudjonsson lashed home a right foot drive for what proved to be the winner.

In the second half, a Simon Donnelly dipping free-kick was touched around the post by keeper Diego Penny before Ade Akinbiyi was denied by a fine block from Craig Hinchcliffe but it was in reality a bit of a stroll for the Lancastrians.