CHRISTIE ELLIOTT reckons young teammate Aidan Fitzpatrick has everything it takes to play at the top level of the game.

The 17-year-old climbed off the bench to net his first senior goal on his Thistle debut in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Albion Rovers, becoming the first player born in the 21st century to play for the club in the process.

And Elliott believes that the teenager has a massive future ahead of him not only at Thistle, but in the game as a whole.

“He’s an unbelievable player to be honest,” Elliott said. “He’s literally got everything.

“It’s all down to him. If he wants to go far in football, then he has all the attributes to do that.

“He’s a good kid, he’s grounded. He’s playing for Scotland at youth level and now he has had a taste of the first-team here, but he always keeps his head down and gives 100% in training.

“He puts the work in and does that bit extra if he feels or the manager feels there are areas that he can improve on. He’s got everything that it takes to go up a few levels for sure, but at the minute, he is here, and he has to produce for us.

“Hopefully he gets a little bit more of an opportunity now to show us all just how good he is.”

Elliott is excited by the blend of youth and experience currently being put together at Thistle by manager Alan Archibald.

“It’s great to see the younger lads breaking into the team,” he said. “We see them in training and they always give 100%, and they are really good players.

“The likes of Aidan are always buzzing to get that opportunity, and we are always buzzing for them too. It just shows that hard work pays off, and if you continue to work hard, then you will get your chance here.

“The manager is always willing to give people an opportunity, and if you are doing well at training, then he will recognise it and give you a chance.

“When it comes, it is then up to the young lads to take it, and you never know what you can go on to achieve.”

As the painful memories of last season’s relegation from the Premiership slowly give way to optimism ahead of the challenge that lies ahead, Elliott has stressed how important a positive start to the Championship campaign could be for the club.

“We’ve put last season behind us now, and although we know it will be difficult this season, we are one of the favourites to win the league,” he said.

“We want to start the season well and hopefully we can then go on to have a successful season.

“It all comes down to consistency, and we have something to build on with the three wins so far in the League Cup. If we can get off to a good start, then you never know what is possible.”