TOMAS CERNY admits his new Partick Thistle deal comes with extra responsibilities,” writes Graeme Macpherson. The goalkeeper recently penned an extension that will keep him at Firhill under the summer of 2019. Now 32 years old, the Czech laughs that he now falls into the veteran category and that part of his remit includes helping the younger players in the squad, include back-up stoppers Ryan Scully and Jamie Sneddon.

He said: “I’m very happy to have signed an extension to my contract. It doesn’t change much, though, as it was always my intention to stay a bit longer at Thistle. But it does give you peace of mind to get it signed. We are committed to progressing as a club and so it’s important to have a few players signed on longer term deals.

“Personally, I just look to do my best every week. It’s hard to set any long-term goals, especially at my age! But I also like to try to help the younger boys as well. Ryan is still developing and it’s the same for Jamie who is just coming into full-time football for the first time. So it’s a case of helping if you can. I think that’s important as a senior player.

“When you sign a contract it’s not just about you playing but also taking on different roles and that includes helping the younger ones, even if that’s just talking to them out on the pitch. So that’s something I think about it and try to offer encouragement if I can. Ryan had a difficult season last year with two really bad injuries. But he’s back to full fitness so he will work really hard and make it difficult for me to stay in goals.”