IAN MAXWELL today admitted he faces a major battle to reclaim his place at the heart of the Partick Thistle rearguard.

The former St Mirren star had become a fans' favourite at Firhill after his summer move, but suffered a broken metatarsal some nine weeks back.

Maxy returned to the fray as a substitute a fortnight back against Dunfermline only to pick up a red card for a last- man offence that earned the Pars a decisive penalty kick in a five-goal thriller.

And now after John Robertson and Alan Archibald turned in an assured centre-back performance to shut out Morton in the Jags' 1-0 win last weekend - and with Willie Kinniburgh also in the mix - Maxy knows he has his work cut out to reclaim a starting jersey.

The Thistle star said: "I know I am not going to walk straight back into the team. That is obvious, but that is a good thing for Partick Thistle.

"Archie has been playing really well for us since he came back from cruciate ligament surgery and, with John Robertson also really solid against Morton last Saturday, they are the men in possession right now.

"On top of that, Willie Kinniburgh had also been doing well, even though he is having to nurse a groin injury through until the end of the season. So, when you add myself to that equation, then we have four centre-backs looking for two places - and that is extremely healthy for Thistle."

Maxy added: "I can also play left-back though and, hopefully, that versatility can work in my favour. But you can't legislate for injuries and when they come.

"Both Robbo and myself got injured within weeks of each other and we were struggling for cover so it is now nice that the gaffer has options at centre-back."

Next up for Thistle is a trip into the Lions of Livingston's den and Maxwell knows that will provide a major test of the Firhill side's vastly improved form on the road since the turn of the year.

The 33-year-old said: "We are two wins and a draw from three games away and that is huge improvement from the first-half when we couldn't buy a win on the road.

"But Livingston have already beaten us at Almondvale in the league and they will provide a real test for us on Saturday.

"I think the fact they took a sore one from Dundee will make them more dangerous but at this stage in the season we just have to find a way to win.

"But there is no doubt about it that away from home you must keep it tight at the back. If you keep a clean sheet then you give yourself half a chance."

The Jags star, however, is just delighted to be back in the selection shakedown when Saturday comes.

Maxy said: "There is nothing worse than an injury. I am not a good spectator so it was really frustrating sitting in the stand watching the boys play week in week out.

"To come back in against Dunfermline when I came on as a sub for Marc Twaddle and then to get the red card late on was really frustrating, but sometimes that is your luck.

"I knew I was last man, but it gave our keeper Jonny Tuffey the chance to save the penalty and he made a great stop and was just unlucky that the rebound fell Rory Loy's way.

"The bottom line is it's up to me to put the boys in possession of the starting jerseys under as much pressure as I can."

Jags hit-kid Graeme Eaglesham has returned from his loan spell at Albion Rovers.

lQueen's Park's fixture with Raith Rovers has been re-arranged for Tuesday, March 17, with a 7.45pm kick-off.

The Spiders' former players' association, The Queensparkers, will hold their second meeting at Hampden ahead of Saturday's game with Ayr United.