MARC TWADDLE believes the impending return to action of Liam Buchanan could be the vital spark needed to help Partick Thistle plot an Irn-Bru First Division promotion course.

Buckie's long-awaited return to the fray could come on the bench in Sunday's Alba Challenge Cup semi-final with Airdrie United at Firhill.

And, with Thistle just four points off co-leaders Queen of the South and Livingston, despite playing without two of their most influential players in skipper Alan Archibald and last term's top scorer Buckie, the Jags full-back was bullish.

Twaddle said: "Liam has been looking sharper and sharper in training and might make the bench for Airdrie. I know the fans would have been frustrated by the Dundee draw at the weekend and so were the players.

"But if you look at the big picture then four points off the leaders is not a bad first quarter.

"Our only problem in that period has been that we aren't getting enough goals. If Liam comes back at the weekend then that is only going to be a big positive in that respect."

However, the former Falkirk man knows how hard it is to make a sudden impact on the return from a lengthy lay-off.

Twaddle recalled: "When I was at Falkirk I had a spell when I was out for three months with glandular fever, came back and then broke an ankle and was out for another four months - it took me time to get back to the top of my game. But Liam will get there."

The opportunity to play in the first cup final of the season is something the Jags' left-back believes would only have a positive effect on Jags' league campaign.

Twaddle said: "Every player wants to play in a cup final and the fact that we have a bit of a local derby in front of us to get there, does add a bit of spice to the game.

"The semi-final is at Firhill so we have home advantage and a chance to get the Dundee game out of our systems, and make a final in front of our own crowd.

"There is no doubt about it that making a final gives any dressing room a lift.

"For me that would only have a positive impact on our form over the next few months of the season."