Partick Thistle midfielder Ian Morris has joined Third Division Stirling Albion on loan until the end of the season.

Former Hibernian defender Mark Dempsie is another young player leaving the Scottish Premier League, having joined First Division St Mirren on an 18-month deal.

Morris told the Partick website that Thistle assistant Gerry Collins had advised him that it was better to be playing first-team football - and that he had also been impressed by Stirling player-boss Allan Moore.

"He sold the club to me and it is important to be playing on a Saturday rather than a Monday night, albeit I enjoyed my games in the Under 21 side," said 21-year-old Morris, formerly of Falkirk.

"However, the main thing that swung it for me was that Gerry told me that if he is in charge next season then it is likely that he will want me to be a part of the squad and that gave me a great boost."

Ian Morris still has a future at Firhill

Morris can play as a striker, but Moore is likely to use him in midfield.

Moore is now looking to sign a striker before the transfer window closes at the end of the month, having also recently signed two 18-year-olds - former Hearts midfielder David McGeown and former Elgin City defender Andy Smith.

Stirling are also hoping to sign midfielder Mark Crilly from Dumbarton, who are also still hopeful of snapping up Nigerian trialist striker Emka Obidile.

Raith Rovers midfielder Ross Matheson, Arbroath midfielder Jim Gardner, Stranraer midfielder Alex Grace and former Rangers youngster Gary Martin are all due to be given the chance to impress Sons boss Dave Winnie in a closed-doors game.

Dempsie became St Mirren's third signing of the transfer window, having brought in forward Ally Mitchell and defender Martin Baker from Kilmarnock.

The 22-year-old believes that Hibs manager Bobby Williamson had wanted to re-sign him but had been thwarted by the SPL club's cash crisis.

St Mirren have faxed other clubs informing them that former Aberdeen and Hibernian full back Andy Dow is available.

Cowdenbeath have signed 24-year-old forward Chris Webster from Montrose in a swap deal that sees 25-year-old defender Kenny Munro head for Links Park.

Montrose had already announced the arrival of 23-year-old former Dundee United defender Barry Donachie and 27-year-old midfielder Paul Riley, after their release by Brechin City, and 28-year-old striker Gregor McKechnie on loan from their neighbours until the end of the season.

Cowdenbeath hope to extend the loan deals for Hibernian pair Derek Riordan and Paul Hilland until the end of the season following their starring roles in Saturday's 7-5 win at Brechin.

Raith are expected to sign a new goalkeeper this week, Raul having lacked competition since the departure of Senegal international Samuel Monin.

Chris Webster is now a Blue Brazilian

Ramiro Gonzalez, formerly with Airdrieonians with Raith boss Antonio Calderon but now playing in the Spanish Second Division, has arrived in Kirkcaldy for a trial.

Calderon will choose between Gonzalez and Queen of the South's Jamie Campbell.

Teenage midfielder Steven Miller has left Raith and joined SPL club Livingston.

Midfielder Barry McLean has moved to Third Division leaders East Fife from Forfar Athletic.

Third Division Gretna have signed former Livingston striker David Ormiston, who was on loan at Raydale Park last season.

Stenhousemuir have signed 19-year-old midfielder David Carr from Albion Rovers.

But Stenny have released defenders Mark Armstrong, Alistair McMillan and Michael Stone.