THE weeks have quickly turned into months for Sean Welsh but the progress has been slow and frustrating.

What should have been a season to savour, and started out with promise, has proven to be a campaign to forget for the Partick Thistle midfielder as injury has taken its toll.

Welsh has not played for Alan Archibald's side since December and may not do again before the Premiership draws to a close.

A tear in his groin has kept him sidelined for longer than anyone at Firhill had anticipated but the 24-year-old remains upbeat and focused on a bright future for him and his club.

Welsh said: "If I don't play again this season, it will be hard to take. But I want to come back as fit and strong as I can.

"I want to play tomorrow, I would love to play again this season but it's out my hands.

"I can't say if I will be back this season or not, I am just looking to be as strong as I can when I do get back playing.

"If it is this season, great. If not, I will be ready for pre-season and raring to go next year.

"It has been a long process and one that nobody saw coming or wanted to happen but it is part and parcel of football and I have just got to get on with it.

"I thought it would be weeks and it has turned into months, too many months for me. There is nothing I can do.

"At the end of the day, it is not about me, it is about the team doing well on the pitch. As long as the team are picking up points that is the main thing."

After helping Thistle to the First Division title last term, the stage was set for Welsh to lead them on their return to Scotland's top flight and showcase his talents in the big time.

Things have certainly not turned out as planned on a personal level for the midfielder.

But it could still be a campaign to remember at Firhill if Archibald's side beat the drop.

He said: "It was a blow for the manager to lose myself and Ozzy (Isaac Osbourne) through injury but the lads have been great.

"I am delighted to see them picking up the points that they deserve, that hasn't happened too often this season.

"It is in our hands now and the boys are confident that they can stay up this season.

"We have got a good squad of boys who are more than capable of picking up the points we need."