The strike means Lovell has netted in his last three games but supporters at Firhill on Saturday would have been forgiven for confusing the goalscorer with someone else after he took to the field in injured team-mate Sebastian Kneissl’s shirt.

There was confusion when the Dens Park kitman thought Lovell was suspended for the trip to Firhill.

Lovell said: “The kitman thought I was suspended and I thought I was suspended too to be honest. He didn’t bring my shirt so we had to stick a two on Sebastian’s top.

“I had to wear his shirt but you never know, maybe that has brought me some luck.

“The suspension starts two weeks after the Dundee United game, which was a Sunday, and that’s why I was able to play against Partick but I’m suspended for the next two games.

“I found out on Tuesday I was able to play but the kitman obviously didn’t know so we blame him!”

The result means Partick Thistle must look to the Bell’s First Division to have any hope of avoiding relegation this season.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle – who do not meet top-flight criteria – closed the gap on league leaders Clyde to just two points on Saturday and the Jags now desperately hope Inverness will clinch the championship.

Partick have spent almost the entire campaign rooted to the bottom of the table but Lovell is convinced they would return to the top flight quickly if they did lose their SPL status for next season.

He added: “It’s been a hard season for them but they have some good players there and I’m sure they will come bouncing back next year.

“It must be hard working under a budget like that and to me they have done pretty well.

“If they do get relegated, I’m pretty sure they will be back.”