ROBIN VELDMAN’S THOUGHTS

“We are looking forward to the match but do expect a very difficult game. Partick Thistle have not had the start to the season they would have been looking for. With that in mind, we expect them to be going all out for the three points and we will need to make sure that we compete with them.

“It will obviously be a very different game to which we faced in Arbroath last week as we know Partick Thistle will have a very different style and from our perspective, the spaces we will look to find to play will be very different to last week, and the previous week’s match. 

“We have done a lot of analysis work and incorporated this into how we have prepared in training for the game. We are aware of the threats that Partick Thistle will pose and I feel that we have prepared in as best a way as we could going into the match. Now the focus is on executing the game plan that we have put in place.

“Confidence within the squad is obviously high given the start we have made to the league season, not only from the results, but particularly when you look at the first two matches and the dominance we had in possession in the games. We were playing well and creating chances and that was really good for our confidence levels as we build the team. 

“We now look to carry that into today’s game against a good opponent who we know will try to play football and make things difficult for us. We expect a more open game in all areas of the park.

“On the squad front we will be without Aaron Healy who continues his recovery from a recent injury. The squad from last week remain available for selection and we will also bring Ricky Waugh and Lucas McCormick from Young Queen’s Park into the squad.”