MARK McGUIGAN has dropped down from Scotland's top tier to its fourth in the search of regular football.

But the Partick Thistle striker hopes he will be given the chance to shine on the big stage this weekend when he lines up against Rangers for new club Albion Rovers.

With opportunities set to be hard to come by at Firhill in the months to come, McGuigan has headed out on loan and back to familiar territory until the new year.

He will spend the first half of the season looking to fire James Ward's side into contention for the League Two title, but the biggest game of all is the first one on the agenda when the Coatbridge club face the Gers in the Ramsdens Cup first round tomorrow.

McGuigan said: "It is a massive game to be involved in.

"It is a big day for the club and from a financial point of view it is really important. But for the fans and the people at the club, it is the kind of game you want to play in. Everyone is looking forward to it.

"It is bad luck the way that it has worked out for Rovers (they passed Rangers on the way down to League Two) so this is a welcome bonus.

"The two gates against Rangers at home in the league would have been great financially for the club. Hopefully, this will soften the blow a bit.

"I am only just in the door but the gaffer knows me from last season and knows what I can do, so hopefully I can get on and make an impression on the game."

McGuigan's second loan spell at Cliftonhill may start with a glamour tie but the real work will soon commence for Ward's side as they look to make an immediate return to the third flight.

The Jags star enjoyed a productive few weeks in the Second Division last term. but after being recalled by Jackie McNamara he again found chances hard to come by as he finished the campaign without a strike in Thistle colours.

McGuigan has proved he can find the route to goal when given the chance and now the 24-year-old is determined to prove his worth once again.

He said: "At the end of the day, it is doesn't matter what level of football you are involved in, you need to play and want to play. I am not happy just sitting in the stand or on the bench.

"If you do, you are in the wrong job. The gaffer agreed with me and he wants me to go and play. I'm confident that if I get the game time then the goals will come.

"Hindsight is a wonderful thing but at the time I was pleased I got the call to come back and I wanted to go and push for a jersey."

HE ADDED: "Unfortunately we only played with one striker last season and it was between Kris Doolan and Stef Craig for that role.

"Looking back, I could maybe have done with another month or two at Rovers to play more games and score more goals because I did feel as though I came back a lot more confident.

"The longer it goes without playing again, your confidence goes and you lose your sharpness as well.

"Now I have got an extended loan period where I can look to go and get a number of games under my belt. It is only going to be for my benefit.

"I am glad that it is all sorted and I can't wait to get going."