CUPID'S arrow may be pointed at Stephen O'Donnell this Valentine's Day.

But the defender insists he only has eyes for Partick Thistle after turning down a switch to Blackpool.

The Seasiders had a bid accepted by the Jags board for the full-back's services during the window, giving the 22-year-old a decision to make about his future.

A move south to the Championship strugglers would have potentially meant a period away from his loved ones back in Scotland.

And while this surely had an influence on O'Donnell's thinking, the defender confessed it was his love for all things Jags that kept him in Maryhill.

He said: "It was unique for me, the first time I've ever experienced it [transfer speculation] and how quickly things happen in football.

"I got a phone call from my agent on the Monday evening saying a bid had been accepted from nowhere.

"I was going up to my girlfriend's and wondered if she'd appreciate me having this decision to make, I don't think she was over the moon but I had a quick think about it.

"Blackpool are in a difficult position but I just felt it wasn't the right move for me. You need to go with your heart.

"The gaffer told me they'd put in a good offer which was hard for Thistle to refuse but he wanted me to stay and I hope he's still thinking that and not regretting it. As soon as he said that it was a no brainer."

O'Donnell added: "It was for the love of football maybe.

"It just wasn't right for me. I think you need to go somewhere where it will suit you, it was a big decision and making them in 24 hours is tough but it didn't appeal to me."

The former Wishaw Wycombe Wanderers kid is refreshingly realistic about what improvements need to be made if he is to come to the attention of any potential suitors during the summer.

Thistle are currently on a three-game losing streak heading into this afternoon's trip to Dens Park, a run of form that has left them just seven points above the relegation play-off spot.

O'Donnell is aware that his current displays have not been up to scratch, and he is frank in what will happen if an upturn in form is not achieved soon.

He said: "To be honest if I keep playing the way I've been playing in the last two weeks I'll not be going anywhere. If anything I'll be going down the leagues.

"I've not thought about it too much, I just need to get back to the form I've shown previously.

"I'm still working away. When you miss a pre-season you are never at 100%. I was trying to make runs at the end of the Celtic game and I was blowing out my backside. I was thinking 'This never happened to me!'

"All I need to do is focus on getting to my best form, which wouldn't hamper anyone if they did have aspirations to go elsewhere. But my main aim is to give 100 % for Thistle and to do the best for the team, whatever the job."

Meanwhile, Thistle boss Alan Archibald has confessed Thistle's top six aspirations may be a pipe dream after their recent run.

The Jags nine points behind sixth-place St Johnstone with just nine games left, and he said: "It's a distant prospect now.

"We're aware that we need to put a run together to make the top six.

I'm not saying that's not possible but it's something we haven't done this so far season."