Partick Thistle: Hibs' Callum Booth makes loan switch to Firhill

Callum Booth has made 12 appearances for Hibs this season

Hibernian left-back Callum Booth has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the season.

While the 23-year-old has only made 12 appearances for the Scottish Championship side this term, he has made three starts in January.

But Hibs on Wednesday signed right-back Keith Watson from Dundee United on loan until the summer.

Thistle manager Alan Archibald said: "We have been trying to get Callum since the start of the window."

Thistle were looking for cover at left-back after losing Aaron Taylor-Sinclair to Wigan Athletic in the summer and his replacement, Jake Carroll, returned to Huddersfield Town after a December injury forced his loan to be cut short.

Defender Aaron Muirhead also had his contract terminated, while Jordan McMillan remains sidelined amid a club investigation and fellow right-back Stephen O'Donnell rejected a switch to Blackpool after a bid of around £100,000 was accepted.

However, while former Scotland Under-21 international Booth has also played on the right and in central defence with Hibs, he is best known as a left-back.

"Obviously it's been hard because teams need to get cover before they let players out, and thankfully that was the case with Hibs getting a player in," said Archibald.

"I'm delighted to get him on board, a natural left-back who will fit in with the way we play.

Stephen O'Donnell is staying at Firhill after rejecting a move to Blackpool

"Callum has been playing regular football and knows the league."

Booth came through the youth ranks at Easter Road and has made 46 first-team appearances.

He has also had loan spells with Arbroath, Brechin City, Livingston and Raith Rovers.

Booth will go straight into Archibald's squad for Friday's Premiership match against St Mirren at Firhill.

"I'm hoping to get one more in, hopefully a forward/creative player," revealed the manager. "I don't think it will be before Friday."

Archibald was also pleased to retain O'Donnell's services.

"It was a hard one because he has four months to go and they offered us a six-figure sum, so we had to take it," he added.

"But, as a manager, I'm delighted because I would have had to scramble about for a right-back.

"Stephen is delighted to still be part of our plans as well and it shows a lot about the lad that it has not affected his performances in recent weeks."