A STRIKER who admits he didn't know where to find Aberdeen on the map will turn out for the Pittodrie side against Partick Thistle at Firhill this afternoon.

Dean Windass of Hull City was transferred north after a #700,000 deal conducted at a rapid pace by manager Roy Aitken, who was anxious to make the point that the signing did not mean anyone would be leaving.

He said: ``I am not finished yet. I am looking to build a competitive pool and this shows our supporters where I am trying to take the club. I watched him several times, and know I have a player who will suit our passing style. He has all the qualities required.

``His arrival will increase competition for places but that is healthy.''

Hull manager Terry Dolan, who signed Windass for nothing three years ago from non-league football, even though he had been freed by Hull as a teenager, said: ``I'm happy for him. He deserves to play on a bigger stage.

``I am just surprised that it has taken him so long to get this move. All the clubs, including Celtic, who watched him recently, will regret not making their minds up quicker.''

The 26-year-old Windass admitted he was still dazed at the speed of it all: ``It hasn't sunk in yet. I was struggling to find Aberdeen on the map - thank goodness they've got an airport here. I saw them win the Coca-Cola Cup on TV but it was so one-sided that I didn't pay much attention.

``I certainly never dreamed I would be playing for them a week later.''

The new man had been let down when a move to Norwich City fell through but now looks forward to the prospect of playing in Europe next season. ``I've landed the move to a big club I have always wanted. It will be a different challenge from fighting relegation with Hull but I'm sure I can handle it.''

Windass, it seems, is not short on self confdidence as he went on to point out that, although he is not the quickest player in the world, ``I have the vision and passing ability to compensate.''

Aberdeen will again be without striker Scott Booth, keeper Theo Snelders, and two other players face fitness tests this morning.

Thistle were still hoping late last night that they, too, would have a new boy in their team to face up to Windass. Manager Murdo MacLeod was determined to have further talks with Celtic defender Mark McNally when he returned from a trial with Southend and, if it went as he hoped, there is every chance the player will line-up at Firhill.

Celtic have left the final decision to McNally after having accepted a #60,000 bid from any of three clubs - Thistle, Falkirk and Southend.

MacLeod has team problems. Gregg Watson is out because of flu, Wayne Foster and Albert Craig are doubtful because of injury, and the manager himself, who sounded as if he was in the throes of the bug, is a non starter. One sure starter, however, is Mark Cairns, the reserve keeper who gets his chance after the unfortunate injury to Nicky Walker.

Celtic's good form which has kept Rangers in their sights will have to continue at Kilmarnock's expense at Parkhead.

Manager Tommy Burns has a full squad from which to choose, including defender John Hughes who is playing his last game before a three-match suspension which will keep him on the sidelines until after Christmas.

Another man making his final appearance for the same period is Peter Grant who is also aware that Phil O'Donnell has recovered from injury and should be able to step in when Grant steps out.

Kilmarnock will still be without Ray Montgomerie, Mark Skilling and Billy Findlay, but former Army player Gary Holt, who was also with Celtic, will be in from the start. ``He deserves his chance,'' said manager Alex Totten. ``He is a typical squaddie in that he can run all day but he has the ability to go with it.''

Motherwell will have Dougie Arnott in the front line for their home meeting with Hibs, after he had looked doubtful following an injury last week, but the list of absent friends remains long.

Manager Alex McLeish, who will field the same team that began in the draw with Falkirk, said: ``Eddie May and Shaun McSkimming have been back in training this week but it would be unfair to risk them at this stage.''

Hibs will check on Pat McGinlay, who has had flu, and Keith Wright, who has been out for some time because of a hamstring injury, but McGinlay may be the better bet to play. Manager Alex Miller was not too despondent after the 4-1 defeat by Rangers at home, but wants to see his side play throughout as well as they did in the first half then.

Falkirk, beginning to recover their confidence, will be fully tested by the team that never ceases to surprise, Raith Rovers, at Brockville.

Raith have added new signing, Bristol City defender Mark Humphries, to their squad.