Saturday 18th January, 2020 at 9:12pm
Thistle battled strongly against Celtic in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth round tie at the Energy Check Stadium at Firhill. The Jags fell by two goals to one as the East End side edged through into the next round of the competition. It was a proud Jags manager that spoke to ptfc.co.uk shortly after the full time whistle.
“We’re out and ultimately that’s what a cup tie is about but I felt we played quite well for long spells of the game. In the first 20 minutes we couldn’t handle their movements and they got a lot of the ball but didn’t create any chances. We went behind but we should have scored before half time. Kenny probably should score and that would have taken us in level.
“We stayed in the game in the second half but the deflections at the second goal have killed us. I think without them it goes straight into Fox’s hands and at 1-0 you always have a chance. I’m not sure the penalty we got was a penalty but ultimately that goal didn’t matter.”
There were a number of strong performances throughout the Jags side which pleased the gaffer.
“I thought Stuart Bannigan and James Penrice were unbelievable today. The shape of the team, the work rate, the endeavour was all pleasing. We had a number of good performances but it is cup football and ultimately we’re out.”
Darian MacKinnon and Zak Rudden were thrust into the starting line up this evening and the Ian was pleased with their first contributions in red and yellow.
“There is an honesty about them that I love. They remind me of some of the players I had at Ayr United. Darian hasn’t played for a while and he is fit but not fully match fit. I think our supporters are going to love Zak Rudden. In Scotland if you work exceptionally hard, the fans tend to love you. I think they will both go on to be really big players for us
“We’re hoping to bring in some more players from now to the end of the transfer window, do well in the Challenge Cup and climb the league, that is the least our aims from now until the end of the season.”
A more in depth video interview with Ian McCall is available to Jagzone subscribers now as well as reaction from Tommy Robson – log in to view.
Jagzone subscribers will also be able to watch extended highlights of the game.
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