LEIGH HINDS today admitted he is desperate for a CIS Cup clash against Aberdeen.
The former Don turned in his best performance as a Partick Thistle player as he bagged a brace in last night's 5-2 mauling of Stenhousemuir.
Now he's hoping to get the chance to dump his old club when the third-round draw is made.
Hinds said: "I'd love a wee nip at Aberdeen because they have just let me go – but that's from a personal point of view. You have to take whoever the draw throws up, although a home tie would be nice."
There was no hiding Hinds' pleasure at his Ochilview showing.
He said: "It was my third game for Thistle and I'm delighted to play well and score a couple of goals. It was my best performance yet."
HINDS continued: "When you go to places like Stenhousemuir, you have to show them respect. If you don't, they can bite.
"We started well, let it slip but came good in the end. It's just great to have the third round to look forward to and also keep the momentum going ahead of our trip to Ross County."
Thistle opened their account after 13 minutes when Derek Fleming's corner was headed against the bar by Andy Dowie and Billy Gibson forced home the rebound.
Seven minutes later, a Willie Howie pass put Juan Ramon Escalas through and he slotted past the helpless Willie McCulloch.
Goal No.3 came in 38 minutes. Robbie Henderson handled Manny Panther's drive and Fleming fired home the spot kick.
The half-time whistle brought only temporary relief for Stenny.
Two minutes after the break, Thistle should have had a fourth when Howie was brought down, but Ramon blasted the penalty against an upright.
Thistle took their foot of the gas and goals from former Jag Paul McGrillen and Joe Savage gave Stenny hope, but a brilliant late double by the impressive Hinds gave the scoreline a realistic look.
Thistle co-boss Derek Whyte accepted his men had eased off after the break.
He said: "To be fair, Stenhousemuir came back at us well, although we did take our foot of the accelerator.
"I don't think there was ever a problem and we were fairly comfortable. Gerry (Britton) and I have no complaints."
Stenny boss Des McKeown reckons their gritty second-half showing salvaged some pride.
He said: "At 3-0 down at the break, I mentioned the word pride to the boys and we did ask a few questions at 2-3, but the first half killed us."
HOT: Leigh Hinds' best game as a Jag.
NOT: Second-half stutter had the Thistle supporters reaching for their tranquillisers.