Saturday 31st October, 2015 at 2:07pm
Despite not securing all three points last week against Accies Alan Archibald insisted that the mood was still positive in the Jags camp as he spoke to ptfc.co.uk amid final preparations for Saturday’s match against Hearts.
“It was obviously disappointing not to take all three points when we were one goal up but the important thing is that we didn’t lose. Our run of results in the last three games has got us back in amongst the pack but that is all it has done and we need to remain focussed to ensure that the run continues.”
Thistle fans watched on anxiously last week as Tomas Cerny left the field with an injury. Having been awaiting further assessment from the Thistle medical staff, Archibald was today in a better position to give us an update.
“Tomas is still in a protective boot and we are looking at somewhere between four and six weeks that he is going to be out. Obviously it is a big blow as he has been one of our most consistent performers this season. He’ll come out of the boot on Monday so we’ll have another look at him then.
“It is a blow but it gives an opportunity to young Ryan Scully. Ryan played a lot of football last season on loan at Dunfermline and I’ve no doubt he is ready to make the step up. He’s one of the most consistent performers in training and this is a big opportunity for him to prove his quality.
“We’re in a strong position when it comes to keepers this season as we have Paul Gallacher to come on to the bench which also gives Ryan competition and keeps him on his toes.”
Seven points from a possible nine has seen Thistle leapfrog Dundee United and lift themselves off the bottom of the table. Archie is only too aware of how big a difference a few wins can make to a side’s league position.
“Undoubtedly things can change very quickly in this league and, with the fixtures coming up, everyone will play everyone in that bottom group. We’ve had a terrible start but teams like Killie show just how quickly a side can move up the table after a good run. A couple of wins now and you can start to see some real movement in the table. For now though we’re just concentrating on our game against Hearts on Saturday and making sure we get a positive result come full time.”
When Thistle played Hearts at Tynecastle earlier in the season it was one of the most disappointing outings for the team in red and yellow. Alan is certain that things will be different this time around.
“We went into that game on a poor run and Hearts were absolutely flying. We’re going into this fixture in a much better place and in much more confident mood. We will certainly be looking for a better performance tomorrow and it’s really important that we show exactly what we can do, especially at home.”
With a couple of exceptions he Thistle gaffer has a full squad to choose from.
“Our team is looking strong this week and, apart from Tomas Cerny and Christie Elliott we have a full complement available. This time last year we were really struggling with injuries so to have such a strong choice really does make a huge difference.”
