SCOTT McDONALD made a fairy-tale return to football when he secured a priceless win for Partick Thistle that hauls them up to eighth in the Ladbrokes Championship table.

Lured out of retirement by Gary Caldwell and signed up only yesterday, the veteran striker showed he has not lost his predatory instinct with the clinching goal 10 minutes from time.

The Herald:

The 35-year-old was in the right place at the right time to slot past Neil Parry in front of the Jags fans after Lewis Mansell’s ball was deflected into his path.

It was the perfect introduction for the Australian, who left Dundee United last summer and had been working in the media as a pundit.

“It was amazing but it’s not about me, it’s about helping Partick Thistle.

The Herald:

“The boys have been excellent with me since I have come in and it’s a fairy-tale start.

“I’m just delighted I could help the team earn three vital points for u and hopefully it’s onwards and upwards.

“I tried to use my experience. I had a chance early on a second ball and I got a hit so that was a nice welcome back!

“I tried to use my intelligence and find pockets. We’ve got some really good footballers here and that’s what really enticed me to come back.

The Herald:

“They have all played Premiership football. They’re top players. I’m delighted to be back, It’s taken a while to want to be back and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“We can’t look too far forward. Anyone can beat anyone in this league and there are a lot of places up for grabs and the gap has closed to the top four. First and foremost we just need to keep winning games and see where it takes us.”

Gary Caldwell was suspended so Brian Kerr was in the dugout and the assistant boss was thrilled with McDonald’s brilliant start.

He said: “We couldn't have asked for much more from Scott, we knew what he was going to offer. We brought him for a reason, he had the best part of four chances. His first one was probably the easiest.

“You see what he's going to bring when he gets more games and sessions under him, he can be a massive player for the rest of the season.”

The Herald:

Thistle were ahead in four minutes when Aidan Fitzpatrick played the ball back into the box, Kris Doolan laid it back for Blair Spittal who smashed a left foot shot past Neil Parry. But they were not comfortable until McDonald came on in 65 minutes and came up with the winner.

The Herald:

That’s four defeats in a row for Alloa who are now bottom. Boss Jim Goodwin said: “The game plan goes completely out the window after three minutes. You're chasing the game. In the last four games the opposition hasn't had a great deal to do score and that's the disappointing thing for me.”