The 22-year-old, who is the club's top scorer nabbing 11 goals this season, has been out with a persistent groin injury for over a month.

McCall said: "Liam is approaching fitness and he is in with a chance to play in the next few games."

This will come as good news to Thistle fans as the club face a league clash against Morton at Cappielow on Saturday as well as the tough challenge of playing SPL leaders Rangers in their Scottish Cup quarter-final tie.

McCall is looking forward to the visit to Ibrox and the experience his players will get from this high-profile game.

He said: "Getting this far in the Scottish Cup is not only a nice pay cheque for the club but we are looking forward to playing at Ibrox.

"It is great experience for the players and it gives them a taste of the SPL.

"This is where the club hopes to be in a few years time, playing at Pittodrie, Ibrox or Parkhead week in, week out."

Aside from all the Scottish Cup action, McCall is still keen to progress further up the table in the First Division after recently securing a fifth place spot.

He said: "We hope we can secure points in the next few games especially away to Morton on Saturday as they are fighting for their lives and we are confident we can get a result."

The club's focus is also to keep on-loan Hibs player Damon Gray after the striker scored three goals in just two starts.

McCall said: "Damon has been speaking to Hibernian regularly and I currently don't see a problem in keeping him a little longer but I still can't say how long he is likely to stay at the club."

Scott Chaplain will, however, be out for the next few matches after the midfielder revealed he is suffering from a hamstring injury.

Tuesday's night's league match against Stirling Albion was postponed due to a waterlogged Firhill pitch.