Paul Paton has revealed that he feared his move to Dundee United might have fallen through after picking up a serious injury just hours before his medical with the club.
The versatile 26-year-old will be playing for the Tangerines next season along with former Partick Thistle team-mate Chris Erskine.
However, it was his determination to help the Jags win promotion that contributed to the injury suffered in what proved to be his last game for the Glasgow side against Cowdenbeath in a match which was abandoned because of fog.
Paton said: “It wasn’t a nice way for my Thistle career to end and I was a bit low about it.
“I missed some of the biggest games of the season and when I look back, my five years here ended by getting taken off at Cowdenbeath at half-time.
“I went in for a 50-50 challenge and came off worse, straining my medial ligament. That is the kind of player I am, I had to go for the challenge.
“I knew I had my medical the next day at Dundee United but I still flew into the tackle. That tackle put the move in doubt. I went to see a specialist and there was a chance that could have been it finished.
“It is bittersweet leaving Thistle and I feel as though there is unfinished business. I was named as captain and I felt I was playing well but it feels harder to get involved when you are injured.
“It was nice to lift the First Division trophy at Firhill but it felt a bit like a John Terry moment because I wasn’t involved.
“But now I am just looking forward to getting started with Dundee United.”