Partick Thistle have announced the signing of midfielder Martin Woods on a contract until the end of the season.

Woods was available as a free agent after leaving Ross County in the summer.

The 31-year-old trained with Motherwell in August but did not sign a contract with the Fir Park club.

The former Sunderland player provides a welcome option for manager Alan Archibald after he lost another player to injury.

Stuart Bannigan has undergone surgery and joins Christie Elliott (ankle), Abdul Osman (shoulder), Callum Booth and Mustapha Dumbuya (both knee) on the sidelines.

Archibald told Thistle's official website that he expected Woods to be playing a part for the first team soon.

"Martin has trained with us a couple of days already this week and we bring him in to provide us with cover for that vital area in the middle of the pitch as we unfortunately lose Stuart Bannigan for four to six weeks while he recovers from the minor operation to clear up some minor issues in his knee," he said.

"Martin has a wealth of experience and, while he is lacking in fitness, I expect him to be ready to play his part sooner rather than later."