Thistle boss Alan Archibald stresses importance of win over County

The Staggies, with one win in all competitions since last November, are bottom of the table.

However, a victory will take them above Partick on goal difference while, on the flip side, the Jags know they will go six points clear of the home side if they emerge triumphant.

Archibald's men are without a win in eight games, seven in the league, and he and his players know the importance of their trip to the Highlands.

The former Thistle defender said: "Yes it is, it is a massive game, a huge incentive for both sides.

"Obviously we have a chance to pull away from County and they have a massive incentive to get on top of us, so it is a big match.

"The players know how big a game it is. They are well aware and County will be the same.

"It will be both teams desperate to win the match.''

County started the season with Jim McIntyre in charge but he was replaced in September by Owen Coyle, who departed at the beginning of March, with Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson brought up from the youth set-up as joint-managers until the end of the season.

"Obviously they have changed their manager a number of times,'' said Archibald.

"They are trying to get that remedy by changing different things, be it formations or players and they are trying to get the right answers the same as ourselves.

"Our players know how big a game it is and what effect it could have on the football club.

"It is important that we try and stay in this division.

"It is important that we are in it together and all have the same focus and drive to get the three points.''

Goalkeeper Tomas Cerny came off in the 2-0 defeat by Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday with a rib injury and he will be assessed.

Archibald said: "He has got a chance. It is a decision for us and the medical team.

"He is getting better every day, it is whether we risk him.'

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