Partick Thistle sign former Ayr United skipper Ross Docherty

The 27-year-old - well known to Thistle manager Ian McCall from his time in charge at Somerset Park - has signed a two-year deal.

Docherty started at Livingston, where he came through their youth system to make his senior debut at the age of 18.

He joined Airdrie in 2014, moving a year later to Ayr where he spent five seasons, twice helping them to promotion to the Championship.

A delighted McCall said: “I’ve worked with Ross for a long time, he’s given five years of terrific service at Ayr where he was my captain, and his level of consistency throughout that time was excellent.

“He’s a fine footballer but it’s also Ross as a person that will improve what we have at the club – he is a winner.

“In terms of his style of play Ross gets all over the pitch, can pass a football well, reads the game and will break up play to let others get on the ball.

“He is the type of player we need and gives us options, I can see him playing alongside and complementing Stuart Bannigan in the heart of the midfield, potentially allowing us to play another freer player in there.

“He’s still a relatively young man and we’re all looking forward to working with him at Firhill.”

Thistle have also extended the contracts of six players which were due to expire until the end of June.