TO call Shea Gordon’s first appearance for Partick Thistle a dream start would be something of an understatement.

The 20-year-old Northern Irishman is on a year-long loan deal from Motherwell to Thistle, with Saturday’s Betfred Cup group stage tie against Stenhousemuir his first competitive outing for his new side. The midfielder was out of the blocks like a flash, scoring his first goal of the new season within two minutes of kick-off as he sent Thistle on their way to a 2-0 victory. And just four minutes later, Gordon scored his second to double the visitors’ lead after getting on the end of a long ball from Sean McGinty and chipping the Stenhousemuir keeper, Graeme Smith, to give his team a comfortable cushion.

Thistle were unable to add further to their lead and Gordon admits he was thrilled to have made a such an impression on his competitive debut for his new club. However, he admits that with so much of the game remaining, he was searching for a hat-trick and was somewhat disappointed to not add further to his goal tally.

“I was looking for the third but you can’t always get what you want,” he said.

“I was a bit disappointed because I wanted that third but I’m happy with two.”

There have been a number of changes to Thistle’s squad since they were relegated but Gordon says he has fitted in with his new team-mates seamlessly. And with the chance to play first-team football week in, week out at Thistle, he hopes he can catch the eye of his parent club.

“It’s been brilliant,” he said of his loan move.

“I’m looking forward to being here for the whole season and playing every week.

“Motherwell have told me that they’re going to keep an eye on me while I’m away so if I can just keep doing what I’m doing here, I’ll be happy.”