KEVIN McKINLAY has revealed his determination to remain in full-time football after being shown the exit door by Partick Thistle.

The 23-year-old was told he was surplus to requirements by Jags boss Ian McCall along with fellow first-team regulars Simon Donnelly and Scott Chaplain and fringe players Graeme Eaglesham and Michael Robertson.

However, Airdrie and Ayr United are already understood to be showing interest in the versatile left-sided player.

McKinlay said: "After being told in January that there was a two- year deal there for me it was really disappointing to get the news that was not going to be the case.

"I feel it has been a very frustrating season in that I only got the one run of six or seven starts and I thought I did well in them.

"After the cup defeat at Inverness I was dropped and since then I have been coming off the bench, but I still believe I made a contribution.

"I have belief in my ability and I am still very hungry to make it in the game. Hopefully I will be able to stay full-time."

With both the Diamonds and the Honest Men involved in play-off action this week, McKinlay will have to wait a while yet to see who firms up their interest.

But having enjoyed a promising youth career with Chelsea there is the possibility that the versatile player could go on trial south of the border.

It was a surprise that McKinlay's strong running and ability to beat a man were not rewarded with a new Firhill contract given his versatility and the fact he possesses a directness not overly abundant in this season's Jags squad.

The player admits he will miss the camaraderie of the Firhill dressing room.

He said: "Thistle just have a great bunch of lads and it was great to be part of that for a couple of years. It is a pity we didn't go up but now it is about moving on for me."