On hearing of his exit from Hong Kong, John Lambie agreed terms with McAvennie to sign for Partick Thistle. Although a press conference to announce the signing was arranged at Firhill Stadium, Celtic manager, Liam Brady, hearing he was available, persuaded him to sign for his former club which he did in January 1993.[42][43] He scored nine goals in 19 league games that season,[3] though Celtic could only manage a third-place finish as Rangers secured their fifth successive title.