IAN MAXWELL insists Partick Thistle won't sign players for the sake of it as the Jags look to bolster their squad before the end of the transfer window.

Boss Alan Archibald remains in the market for reinforcements before Monday's deadline, with a left-back and forward player top of his wanted list.

Thistle have seen a couple of deals fall by the wayside during a frustrating few weeks as they look for the right additions to the Firhill squad.

And managing director Maxwell admits it has been a difficult spell as the Jags continue to scour the market.

He said: "It is down to player availability, January is not a good window. You can't take anyone who will take time to get up to speed or learn the language or settle into a new country.

"You want someone who has played in the UK. There are loads of guys out there that are Estonian or Latvian that look good players, but we can't take a gamble on someone that might take weeks to settle in.

"By the time that happens, you have only got a few games left, so you need someone who can hit the ground running.

"We are loathed to take a young player just for the sake of it when we have got younger players here who can come in and do a job.

"English clubs want to get young players out on loan, but they have never played in what I would call a meaningful game, and you don't know how they will react.

"In the summer, you can bring someone in for pre-season and have a look and see how his fitness is and how he fits in, but now you are taking a chance.

"Last year we were in a different position and we need to sign five or six, but we look a stronger side this year and we are just trying to top things up."