Archibald waiting for top-flight safety

Boss Alan Archibald is desperate to see Partick Thistle secure their Scottish Premiership safety this weekend so he can start tying up his out-of-contract players on new deals.

A win over bottom side St Mirren at Firhill on Saturday would guarantee another season in the top flight for the Jags.

And with a number of his players on contracts that are set to expire this summer, Archibald wants to start planning for next term as soon as possible.

He said: "It works both ways. Players might not want to sign with you if they don't know where you're going to be next season.

"It would allow us to start talking to them and put offers on the table and see if they want to be here.

"It would be fantastic for us to stay in this league.

"It would mean we can keep moving forward as a club. Every season we look to do that.

"It would be a massive thing for everybody at the football club from top to bottom.''

Archibald says confidence is high ahead of the clash with Saints following last weekend's impressive victory at Ross County.

He added: "It's a massive game for us. It's in our own hands to stay in this league and it's the position we wanted to be in.

"We are well aware of what test we will get from St Mirren, they showed last week that they're not prepared to go down without a fight.

"But our lads will be ready for the game and they will be focused.

"This is probably the best run we have been on in the Premiership since I took over.''