Striker Lyle Taylor joins Partick Thistle on loan

Former Falkirk striker Lyle Taylor has joined Partick Thistle until the end of the season on a loan deal from Sheffield United.

He is expected to train with the Jags on Tuesday and, if he can be registered in time, the 23-year-old will be part of the squad to make the short trip to Celtic Park on New Year's Day.

Taylor's early career took him around the lower echelons of English football.

He was the SPFA's First Division Player of the Year, 2012/13, while at Falkirk.

His 29 goals for the Bairns in his debut season attracted League One side United, who signed him on a two-year contract in the summer.

He has scored twice in 23 league and cup appearances this season for the Bramall Lane side against a backdrop of managerial changes.

The Blades sacked boss David Weir in October after only 13 games in charge, replacing him with Nigel Clough.

Thistle manager Alan Archibald said: "I'm delighted to have managed to bring Lyle to Firhill. He will complement the strikers that we already have.

"Things haven't worked out for him with United so far, which can happen when there is a change in manager, but he carries a potent threat and has a real eye for a goal.

"He's quick and he is good at getting in behind defenders. I'm sure he will prove to be an important addition to the squad for the second half of the season."