Friday 4th November, 2016 at 9:30am
Jags gaffer, Alan Archibald, was away in Switzerland working on his coaching badges this week, so it was assistant manager, Scott Paterson, who spoke to ptfc.co.uk ahead of Friday night’s clash with Aberdeen.
Back to back wins has filled the team with confidence, something Scott was quick to reflect on.
“Both wins are a credit to the players and we’re obviously delighted with the points. We have undergone a change in formation as well and they’ve adapted to it really well. It has given us something different and we are really pleased with how it has worked. All the boys know their jobs and they trust one another to look after the different areas of the pitch.
“We have looked more dangerous going forward and have done well keeping the ball and taking the game to the opposition. I think we’ve looked really solid and it is amazing what a difference a couple of wins make to the feeling around the place.”
Although jubilant after both of last week’s victories, Scott knows that Friday night’s match will be tough.
“They’ll be disappointed with their last two results, especially the one against Hamilton, but they’ve got a strong squad and they will be looking to bring their A game. We know Derek and Tony Doc well enough to know they’ll be hurting and will be desperate for a result against us. They have an excellent squad with quality all over the pitch and we will have to be at our best tomorrow to take something from the game.
“We know it’s going to be a tough, tough game and the players know what kind of 90 minutes they’re going to be in for, so we just need to make sure that they’re fired up for it.”
By coming on for the injured Ryan Scully, Thorsten Stuckmann, became the fourth goalkeeper to appear for Thistle this season, something Scott is well aware of.
“I’ve just about lost track of the number of goalies we’ve played this season! It’s certainly fair to say we’ve had no luck on that front. It’s good that we decided to bring in Stuckmann as he brings a wealth of experience with him.
“We all felt for Ryan when he picked up his shoulder injury in the game against Dundee, it was made all the more unfortunate given how well he had been playing. To be fair to big Stuckmann though, he came in and took his chance really well. What he had to deal with at St Johnstone, he dealt with and he certainly inspires confidence in the defenders.”
Despite there being a number of long term injuries currently affecting the Thistle squad Scott was happy to report that there were no fresh injuries reported this week.
“The only concerns that remain are Bannigan, Dumbuya, Gary Fraser and obviously, Scully. Apart from that we should have a full squad to pick from which is the ideal situation to be in.”
