Ben McPherson’s stock is rising fast after an excellent season on loan at Partick Thistle and now interest in the Celtic defender is building from across the Scottish game.
He featured in Celtic’s pre-season.
The tall, physically strong right‑back has been a mainstay in the Jags’ defence this season, starting 20 of 22 league games as Partick sit second in the Scottish Championship.
Under manager Mark Wilson, Thistle looked poised to challenge for the title, but they’ve slipped slightly in recent weeks. Once level with St Johnstone at the top, they now find themselves five points adrift with an extra game played, though still a solid four points clear of third.
McPherson’s consistency and defensive presence have not gone unnoticed. He’s one of two Celtic loanees in the Partick squad, with Josh Clarke starting between the sticks week in, week out. Sean McArdle had also featured for Thistle earlier in the season before being recalled by Celtic in January, but it’s McPherson whose performances have sparked wider attention.
Journalist Alan Nixon reports that Partick Thistle want to keep McPherson beyond this season, viewing him as a key part of their future plans. There’s also reported interest from other SPFL clubs, reflecting how impressed many have been with the defender’s development.
At this stage, he looks almost certain not to return to Celtic when his contract expires at the end of the season, with a permanent move somewhere likely once his deal runs down.
Even though his path hasn’t led to first‑team minutes at Parkhead, McPherson’s performances in Firhill suggest he’s ready for the next step, whether that’s continuing in the Championship or stepping up to the Premiership. He could still get to the top flight with Thistle, even if it’s through the playoffs.
