CHRIS DUGGAN has plenty of goals.

But the Partick Thistle protege is happy to bide his time as he bids to achieve the ultimate aim.

The youngster has been in superb form for the Jags' second string this term and has 12 strikes to his credit for Scott McKenzie's side.

A hamstring injury has briefly halted him in his tracks but he remains focused on hitting the 30-goal mark before the end of his first campaign at Firhill.

A lack of cutting edge has often cost Alan Archibald's side in the SPFL Premiership this season but Duggan insists he isn't the immediate answer to Thistle's goal shortage.

He said: "Me and the gaffer have talked about it. I have full faith in him and he won't throw me in if I am not ready.

"I have been involved with the first team in training. When I was fit, all the first team were fit so it was hard to get in there.

"I have faith in the gaffer, he will put me in when I am ready.

"We will be patient with it and take our time and when the time is right hopefully I will get my chance."

Duggan has impressed for the Firhill second string since being snapped up by boss McKenzie in the summer as the Jags' Under-20 boss put an entire squad together in the space of a few weeks.

His natural eye for goal has proven crucial for the Thistle youngsters as they have made a solid start to their league campaign.

But the former Queen's Park and Hamilton Accies kid knows there is more to the game than sticking the ball in the back of the net.

He said: "Goals have always been a big part of my game, that has never been a problem. It is my link-up play and other aspects that have been pointed out to me.

"The coaches here are great with me, they are shaping my play and I have started to improve a lot of aspects.

"The goals are just a natural thing. I can't put my finger on it, it is just one of those things that happen and I have always had a knack for doing."

Goals have certainly not been in short supply for Duggan so far this term but the striker is not finished yet.

The Under-20 league will take a break following Thistle's meeting with Falkirk next Tuesday and the second string scoring star is determined to keep hitting the goal trail once he is back in action.

Duggan said: "I was aiming for at least 15 by Christmas and about 30 for the season.

"The injury has put me back a bit but I still think it is a realistic goal and I am pushing myself every day to get better in every aspect.

"I have got 12 so I am just short of my Christmas aim.

"I tore my hamstring and I wasn't due to be back until the first game after Christmas, which is towards the end of January.

"I have been working really hard in rehab and it isn't as bad as we first thought. I will maybe be back for the Falkirk game.

"But a hamstring injury is something you don't want to push, I don't want it to recur."