Paul Paton insists that Airdrie were the only club he was interested in signing for after joining on-loan from East Kilbride.
A host of clubs were keen to sign the 33 year-old but he only had eyes for the ‘biggest part-time club in Scotland.’
Paton moved away from full-time football in the summer to focus upon his career outside the game but he’s looking forward to testing himself at the Diamonds.
He said: “There were a few clubs that wanted to take me on-loan but this was the only club that I was interested in.
“It’s the biggest part-time club in Scotland and I’m delighted to be here. It’s all to play for between some good sides in the division and that’s why I came to test myself.
The on-loan EK midfielder has been unable to train for months with the Lowland League suspended and Paton was relieved to be back playing.
He said: “It was good to be back. I’ve only had a few training sessions in months so it will take me a while to get to my best level but it was good to get ninety minutes in.”
“I feel like I’ve got different levels to go to but I’ve only had two sessions in four months so it was always going to be a big ask to play ninety minutes.
“It’s good that I’ve got those minutes in the legs and hopefully the team can kick on so we can make the play-offs - hopefully my best performances come then."
Despite scoring after just two minutes, Airdrie endured a nightmare start to the second half and lost two goals in the first five minutes as Partick Thistle took control.
“As far as I’m concerned, if you look at Thistle’s team on paper and squad then they should be the best team in the league,” Paton said on his former side.
“I’ve played for both Thistle and Falkirk, who will be right up there. I’ve not played against Cove Rangers but the boys seem to think that they’re an outstanding side.”
The Diamonds had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down by referee Craig Napier on 12 minutes when Euan O’Reilly appeared to be fouled in the box.
The hosts were also prevented from doubling their advantage by a brilliant Kieran Wright save seconds before Thistle equalised and Paton conceded it was a turning point.
“It’s a definite penalty for me and their keeper has also made an outstanding save. In football, there are very fine lines and we probably lost that game during that period when they equalised,” Paton concluded.
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