Frederic Frans glad Thistle think highly of him

Frederic Frans: Signed new deal. Picture: SNS

But the Belgian defender had no hesitation in signing a contract extension earlier in the week that commits him to the Firhill club until May 2016.

Frans arrived in Glasgow in October and impressed in games he featured in before picking up a hamstring injury. He said: “It was amazing that they were really happy with these four games. We had to decide something fast because the contract was only until 5 January.

“It feels great that they gave me this deal. When I first came here, it was my goal to show myself to the people of Partick Thistle.

“They gave me an amazing chance to come here and I wanted to get an extension. I’m very glad I got it.

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“The people make you feel so welcome here, they make you feel like you’re at home, so I don’t want to leave. They’ve shown confidence in me and I want to repay them as fast as I can.”

Frans added: “When the manager asked me if I wanted to stay, I immediately said yes. I was so happy that the offer came so fast. Straightaway, I wanted to sign a deal. I didn’t want to wait a day longer.

“I’ve only played four games, which have been pretty decent with three clean sheets. As a defender, that’s good.

“I think the style of play also suits me. I’ve had a little setback with the injury but I’m working hard to get back into the team and do even better.”

Partick head into tomorrow’s Scottish Premiership game against Dundee bolstered by last week’s 4-0 win over high-flying Inverness – and Frans sees no reason why the Jags cannot aim for the top six.

He said: “With a little more efficiency and a bit of luck, I think we can beat any team in this league.”

Boss Alan Archibald was thrilled to secure Frans on a new deal. He said: “If he had taken the option to leave in January, we would’ve had to go out and get someone else in. It’s a weight off our minds to get him tied up.

“He’s got great stature and he’s a calming influence.”

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