STUART Bannigan has signed a new contract with Partick Thistle to keep him at Firhill until May 2020.

The midfielder, who has made almost 200 appearances for the Jags since joining in 2010, put pen to paper on a new 18-month deal yesterday. He had previously signed a succession of short-term contracts as he proved his fitness following his recovery from a horror knee injury sustained at Tynecastle in 2016.

It has been a long road back to full fitness for the 26-year-old, but having become a regular once more this season, manager Gary Caldwell has rewarded his good form by offering him the chance to stay at the Championship club.

And Bannigan is hoping to repay the faith Thistle have shown in him as he nears his best once again on the park.

Speaking to the Partick Thistle website, Bannigan said: “I’m so pleased to get the deal signed and to be able to get my sole focus back to the football side of things. It’s been a tough season so far but I am determined to help the team climb up the table. I love playing football and relish every minute I get to spend on the pitch.

“I’ve played a fair few games in a row now and I think I’m getting back to the levels I want to be at. I feel good mentally and physically so it’s now about continuing to contribute to the team as we look to improve together.

"I have spent my entire working life at Thistle so there was only ever one place I wanted to be and that was right here. There were other clubs in for me but as soon as I knew there was an offer coming from Thistle that was my one and only choice.”