Barry Smith delves into transfer market as Partick Thistle youngster James Penrice arrives on loan

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

BARRY SMITH has made his first signing as East Fife manager by snapping up Partick Thistle starlet James Penrice on loan.

Penrice, 18, has penned a deal with the League 1 outfit until the end of the season, including any potential playoff ties the Fifers are involved in.

The promising left-back has already made two senior appearances for the Jags, facing Dundee United and Hamilton in the Premiership last season. He also turned out twice in the Irn-Bru Cup for the under-20 side this term.

However, Partick boss Alan Archibald is keen for the player to get regular first-team football and has farmed him out to Methil.

Penrice could make his debut for the Fifers in tomorrow’s mouth-watering fixture against runaway league leaders Livingston at Bayview.