Partick keeper Thorsten Stuckmann no longer stuck on bench

Thorsten Stuckmann has taken over as Partick's No 1. Picture: SNS

The giant 6ft 6ins stopper has taken over as the Jags  No 1 after Ryan Scully suffered a shoulder injury which could keep him out for months.

Stuckmann has every sympathy for his glove rival but is just relieved his two boys no longer have to see him looking glum on the sidelines.

The German quit former club Preston and moved down a division because he hated bringing his sons to matches just to see him kicking his heels amongst the substitutes.

However, he was forced to leave his family down south as he sought a way back into the game following his release by Doncaster in the summer.

Stuckmann now has his chance with Thistle and will be the Firhill side’s last line  of defence when they host Aberdeen tonight.

The 35-year-old said: “It’s never nice to see someone getting stretchered off the pitch. I’ve been there before myself so I hope Scully gets back fit soon. But on the other hand, I’m happy to play now. I can’t hide that and I don’t want to.

“It’s down to me now. I came here to play some games and now I’ve got the chance. I’ve got a contract until 2 January so the jersey is mine until then. I want to do my best and hopefully extend the deal.

“I want my boys to see me play, that was one of the main reasons I came here. I gave up Championship football to play in League One when I moved from Preston to Doncaster because I didn’t want my boys seeing me sit on the bench.

“Hopefully they will not have to see me do that any longer.”