BUCHANAN GALLERIES; McCall: Fans should savour super Liam.

Byline: Alasdair Fraser 

IAN McCALL wants Partick Thistle fans to savour every moment with Liam Buchanan - before they lose him to a bigger club.

The Firhill gaffer is convinced he could face a battle to hold on to the eight-goal striker when the transfer window re-opens in January.

In a seven-minute burst of brilliance before half-time, the 24-year-old scored twice and created a killer third for Alan Archibald.

And Buchanan did it despite being one of several victims of a stomach bug sweeping through Firhill.

The goal rush proved too much for an out-of-sorts Caley Thistle who, for a damaging spell either side of the break, looked like the team stricken by illness.

Adam Rooney did hit back from the penalty spot and Richie Foran's header stirred hope of a remarkable recovery 14 minutes from time.

But in truth, had Ryan Esson not been in blinding form just after the break, Partick might have seriously embarrassed the lacklustre hosts.

McCall was proud of the efforts of his team but also enraged by a sloppy first 20 minutes and the manner in which his side let Caley Thistle back into the game.

His feelings on Buchanan, however, were more straightforward. McCall said: "Liam's contribution was first rate. He's a handful. He has only started seven games for us but has scored eight goals.

"We have to appreciate Liam as much as we can while he's here because I don't know if he'll be with us for too much longer.

"I was just angry we didn't take our chances at 3-0 because it could have been out of sight. Then again, I'm very proud of them because a lot of the lads were suffering from illness."

Caley Thistle were on top in the opening spell but Buchanan changed the match when he netted with a back-heel after 38 minutes then doubled the lead a minute later, floating the ball over Esson. A minute from the break he fed Archibald who netted Thistle's third.

Caley were given hope when Johnny Hayes was brought down by Robertson in 63 minutes and Adam Rooney scored from the spot.

Foran headed the hosts' second after 76 minutes to set up a late siege but it was to no avail.

Caley boss Terry Butcher, who made his players report for training yesterday, said: "It was unbelievable to see some of them could play like that.

"I'm disappointed as I brought a lot of these players here or gave them new contracts."

CAPTION(S):

JAGGED EDGE: Liam Buchanan gets his second goal and, below, hails his opener