A new name has joined the McCrea Financial Services Player of the Month winners’ circle with on-loan Hearts defender Lewis Neilson scooping the October prize.

Growing into his role at the heart of the Jags defence with each passing game, Lewis was central to the team’s efforts as they managed to take a point from three of their four games last month despite a mounting list of injured players.

Gutsy defensive performances away to Inverness and Queen’s Park – the latter when usual defensive partner Aaron Muirhead was suspended – were vital in helping the team add some points to the board through a tough spell of games.

Neilson hasn’t just been a positive influence defensively either – his diagonal passes and surging dribbles into midfield have added an extra dynamic as Kris Doolan’s side build out from the back.

Upon receiving the award and before he joined up with the Scotland men’s under-21s squad, Lewis said:

“Overall October wasn’t the month that we wanted it to be. Our performances weren’t up to the levels that we know we’re capable of but the positive for us is that we were able to pick up a few points despite that.

“I think you’ll have months like that over the course of a season especially when you have a few injuries like we’ve had recently but you can’t let it go on for too long and we’ve managed to start November with a couple of wins so hopefully we can build a positive run.

“On a personal note, I’m really enjoying my time here at Thistle. It’s been fantastic to play as many games as I have, and I’ve loved being a part of this group of players. I’m feeling more and more comfortable each week and am looking forward to the rest of the season.”

This season McCrea Financial Services is making a donation each month to a charity of the player of the month winner’s choice. Lewis Neilson’s choice this month is Alzheimer Scotland – Scotland’s national dementia charity – who work to offer support and information to people with dementia as well as their families and carers.