No Shrewsbury move for Archibald

Alan Archibald says his rumoured move to Shrewsbury is a non-starter - but the Partick Thistle boss has not ruled out making a switch to England further down the line.

The English League One outfit have been in discussions with Jags chiefs over an approach for their Firhill manager but have yet to take their interest any further.

As far as Archibald is concerned, though, he is not going to New Meadow any time soon.

The 38-year-old said: "The two clubs had a chat but that's as far as it has gone. I've not spoken to Shrewsbury and that is it done now.

"It's been put to bed and I now focus on Ross County on Saturday.

"I've got no ambitions to speak to them at this point in time. My main concern is on Partick Thistle. As far as I'm concerned that's the end of the story.

"The players had a good laugh and joke about the story this morning but that just shows the good relationship I've got with the players here. They are not slow in having a bit of banter with me. That's fine but now we move on.''

However, Archibald admits he would like to test himself south of the border one day.

"I've mentioned before I'd like to have a go at managing down south and I'm not going to hide from it,'' he said.

"Everyone wants to get to the best level they can and if that was an opportunity that came up I'd have to think about it. No other manager would tell you any different.

"But I'm a good place now at Partick Thistle and while I'm here I want to put all my efforts into moving us up the table.''

Thistle climbed off the Ladbrokes Premiership's bottom spot with a point at home to Hamilton last week but Archibald admits his plans for Saturday's visit of County could be hampered by midfielder Stevie Lawless' hernia injury.

"We're still not sure what is happening,'' admitted the Maryhill boss.

"Stevie is seeing the specialist today but there is still a chance he could play at the weekend.

"He's had the problem since pre-season on and off but it's not really stopped him training. However, it's now getting to the point where we need to act. We'll know whether that has to be immediately after we've met with the specialist.

"If it is surgery, he could be out for up to six weeks. It would be a big blow as Stevie is integral to the way we play.''