Stephen Connor hopes his move to Partick Thistle will eventually help him establish himself at parent club Everton.

The former England Under-17 winger stands just 5ft 6in but is determined to make a big impression now he has been snapped up by the Jags on a six-month loan deal from Goodison.

And after coming off the bench to make his debut in the draw with Stirling, 18-year-old Connor told the Daily Record: "I played here a week past Thursday for Everton and we drew 1-1. Ian McCall was at the match and I played quite well.

"When I went into training I was told Thistle wanted me to go on loan and it didn't take much thinking about.

"Davie Moyes said the game here would be faster, that it would be of a good standard and stand me in good stead for when I head back south.

"Andy Holden, our reserve team coach, has been ringing up to ask how I have been doing and I am sure he will call me again."

Connor has no doubt he will benefit big time from the move.

He said: "There's not much reserve team football now and the standard is not as good - that is why a lot of players want to go on loan. I had been looking to start the season at Everton but the opportunity came to play up here so I have been lucky.

"The crowd get on your back but it was a good standard, quick and physical. I was a bit nervous before I came on but the gaffer would not have brought me here if he did not think I could handle it.

"In England I get kicked around but for a winger of my size that is what is going to happen. It's part and parcel of the game.

"I have been capped four times and hopefully I will get recognition from the Under-19s but I'm just concentrating on doing a job for Partick Thistle ."