PARTICK Thistle new boy Blair Spittal believes Alan Archibald is getting the best out of him – because he has finally worked out his best position.

The 21-year-old felt he was unable to show his true abilities at former club Dundee United because he was regularly shifted from one role to another.

But Firhill boss Archibald has singled out the wide-right slot in his five-man midfield specifically for the ex-Queen’s Park youngster and now Spittal says he is reaping the benefit.

Spittal – who has netted three goals in his first three appearances – said: “Throughout my career so far I have played a number of positions but I definitely think the manager here is getting the best out of me in the role I’m playing now.

“It’s all good being versatile but there comes a time when I need to nail down a position and become consistent in performances.

“Before I signed, I spoke to the gaffer here about where he saw me playing and we both agreed that I’m more of a wide man. He’s given me the opportunity to play there now and the freedom to express myself.

“Hopefully, now that I have got the chance and that I’m playing well, I can get a lengthy run in the one slot.”

The Jags will seal their place in the Betfred Cup last 16 so long as they take care of final Group H opponents Stranraer today and Spittal is not expecting any slip-ups.

Spittal added: “It’s not going to be an easy game. We’ve seen that with our games at Livingston and Airdrie that these lower league sides will not make it easy for you.”

The new boy has quickly formed a close on-field bond with Chris Erskine, Stevie Lawless and Kris Doolan, saying: “The type of football we want to play involves getting the ball down at every opportunity. It makes it so much easier to play when you have guys like that alongside you. They are never static, they are always on the move.”