Brian Graham tipped to lead Partick Thistle back to Premiership as Kris Doolan hails 50 goal Jags hitman

Kris Doolan insists Brian Graham has plenty left in the tank after the veteran struck his 50th Partick Thistle goal to fuel the Jags’ drive for the Premiership.

The former Hibs, Ross County and Dundee United hitman will turn 36 later this year and admitted last week this could be his last chance for another shot at the top flight. But he’s lost none of his predatory instincts as he proved in the 8-3 aggregate play-off demolition of Queen’s Park.

Graham struck a brilliant opener to reach the half century and laid on another as Thistle swept Queen’s aside 4-0 in Friday’s second leg having hit an injury time winner in the first meeting of the sides three days ealier. Graham still has a year left on his contract and Doolan - who knows a thing or two about wearing the number nine at Firhill - reckons he will remain a key figure in his side. The boss, Thistle’s record goalscorer, said: “He was brilliant. Age is a number. For me it doesn't matter what your age is.

"We've got a 17-year-old in Zander MacKenzie who comes in and plays like a first-team player. Brian is at the other side of that but he still continues week after week to produce. And he is not only a fantastic goalscorer, he is a great guy to have in your team and your squad. He's got a great manner, a great attitude, the way he drives people around the changing room. He puts demands on each of the players.

“I just think that's the type of person, if we are going to build that winning environment, that winning mentality, Brian is a massive part of that. He is a real leader but to me, there are 20 leaders in there. And that's what it takes, if you are going to get through the play-offs, you are going to need all of them, and certainly on Friday night, I thought we