DANNY DEVINE hopes he and Niall Keown can be the defensive foundations upon which Partick Thistle build another successful campaign this term.

The return of Keown on a permanent deal from Reading was a major boost for boss Alan Archibald after Liam Lindsay left Firhill to join Barnsley last month.

The 22-year-old impressed during a loan spell with the Jags in the second half of last season as he helped Archibald’s side clinch a top six finish.

But injury will prevent him taking to the field when Thistle kick-off their Betfred Cup campaign against Livingston this weekend as he waits for his second bow in red and yellow.

Devine started alongside Adam Barton at the heart of the Jags defence against Dumbarton on Tuesday night and is pleased to have Keown back on board this term.

He said: “It was very important to get him in on a permanent deal – especially as he knows the club, knows the lads and knows the way we are going to play.

“It was brilliant getting Niall back, I enjoyed playing beside him last season so it’s a real bonus to get him back up the road.

“After losing Liam Lindsay it was important to get Niall in and it was good that it was done quickly.

“It’s especially important at the back where you want to establish a back four or a back five so getting Niall in early was ideal.

“I think Niall and I complement each other. We both like to play and we both like to defend.

“Hopefully we can establish a relationship there – and Barts can always drop in there if need be.

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to together with Niall once he’s fit.”

It was a night of mixed emotions for Thistle at the Rock as they rounded off their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 defeat to Stevie Aitken’s side.

Forward Kevin Nisbet was one of a number of Jags youngsters that were given a run-out and he made the most of his chance to impress as he cancelled out Christian Nade’s opener before Jordan Allan hit the winner for the Sons.

Boss Archibald was satisfied with another 90 minute work-out for his side and defender Devine is looking forward to getting down to competition action against the Lions.

He said: “It was just about getting some more action to get ready for Saturday. We’ve had a few injuries the last couple of weeks and he squad is a bit thin at the minute.

“We just wanted to get through the 90 minutes with no more casualties.

“I’m hoping to start the season well and then keep my place so hopefully I can make a good start on Saturday.

“I feel fit and I want to make sure that I play well which will make it hard for the manager to drop me.

“It was like that last season. These teams from the lower leagues have that extra bit of motivation when they come up against a Premiership team.

“So we have to make sure our attitude is right, we go about things the right way and I’m confident we can do that on Saturday.

“Winning these Betfred Cup matches would be a good boost going into the league season.

“It would be great if we could win every one of them because winning breeds confidence, but the main aim is to get out of the group.”