PARTICK THISTLE assistant manager Gerry Britton claims defender Willie Kinniburgh will miss the start of the season.

The 24-year-old, who made only one substitute appearance in the closing two months of last term, is recovering from hip-and-groin surgery.

Britton said it could be the end of August before the former Motherwell player is available.

"It is going to take a bit of time for Willie to make a full recovery and there is no way we will be rushing him," said Britton.

"It said a lot for Willie he was prepared to make himself available as a sub for the final two months of the season knowing he was delaying the op.

"I believe we have yet to see the best of Willie Kinniburgh in a Thistle shirt because of the injury."

The news on Thistle captain Alan Archibald is that he came through routine knee surgery with no problems and is set to return to pre-season on Wednesday.

Britton said: "Archie had no ill effects from the surgery and will take part with the rest of the lads.

"I thought he led from the front last season having come back from a cruciate ligament injury.

"His form over the second half of the season was superb in terms of consistency.

"With John Robertson having re-signed on a one-year extension, their partnership at centre-back will once again be important."

But with Thistle having lost out on the services of Kilmarnock winger Willie Gibson, Britton says manager Ian McCall's plans to add further signings have moved up a gear.

"We have targets and we have been talking to players and looking to strengthen but we won't be rushed," said Britton.