GARY FRASER is determined his lengthy injury lay-off won't derail his season after being ruled out of action for Partick Thistle for up to 12 weeks.

The midfielder, named yesterday as the Jags player of the month, faces a frustrating spell on the sidelines after breaking a bone in a knee.

His loss is a huge blow to boss Alan Archibald after a superb start to the campaign that saw Fraser score in the Premiership clashes with Ross County and Dundee.

Thistle began life without the 20-year-old with a 3-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle at Firhill last Saturday.

And Fraser has vowed to use his spell out of action to ensure he is ready to hit the ground running in time for a possible December comeback.

He said: "I felt it during the Hamilton game and I felt a niggle in training the next week, but I didn't think it was anything serious.

"I had a scan and it turns out I have got a fracture in a knee. It is really disappointing. I feel I have started the season well and wanted to keep that going.

"Hopefully I can come back better, fitter and stronger and ready to go again. I have never been out for this length of time before. It will be hard knowing that I can't play, but I have got to take the positives from it.

"I have to rest for five weeks to give the knee a chance to heal but, when I can, I will get in the gym and work hard and get myself fitter and stronger.

"My focus is getting back fit as soon as I can and helping the boys finish in the top six."

Thistle may have emerged victorious in Fraser's absence on Saturday as goals from Abdul Osman, Steven Lawless and Kallum Higginbotham earned them their second top-flight triumph of the season. But his loss will be felt in the coming weeks as the Jags are denied the services of one of their most influential players.

The midfielder saw off competition from Osman, Stuart Bannigan and Stephen O'Donnell to win the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Month award thanks to his superb form in the opening four fixtures. Archibald could look to bring in central cover as Fraser and captain Sean Welsh continue on the road to recovery.

And the former Hamilton kid has set his sights on becoming a key Firhill figure once again.

Fraser said: "It is good to have competition for places. When I am fit I know I'll need to fight for my place and I'm happy to do that.

"I want to get back in the team and pick up where I have left off. Abdul and Banzo have been great for us, they are two quality players, and Stephen has played well also, so I am delighted to pick up the award this month.

"Having Abdul in the team allows me to go and express myself. I feel I have a bit more freedom to go and play.

"The further up the pitch I play, the more effective I feel I am and hopefully I can score a few more goals this season and help create chances as well."

Fraser may have picked up the first silverware of the season after coming out on top in the Firhill fans' vote, but he again missed out on international recognition at Under-21 level.

He was overlooked by boss Billy Stark for the games with Slovakia and Luxembourg.

Fraser said: "I have never been picked for Scotland. It would be good to get a cap, but it is not something I am focusing on just now. I have learned to get over it and focus on my game.

"I would love to play for Scotland and I would always be ready if I got picked, but there is nothing I can do if I'm not picked."