Archibald Wants Jags Jump Start

Photo by Jeff Holmes

Alan Archibald wants Partick to get their season up and running against Inverness on Wednesday night.

Partick had to battle for a point on the opening day of the Premiership season against Hamilton at New Douglas Park after defender Frederic Frans was sent off after only 25 minutes for two bookable offences.

That goalless draw was followed by a comprehensive 2-0 defeat by Celtic at Firhill on Sunday and the Jags boss wants his side to put both games behind them for the trip to the Highlands.

"Our season hasn't really started," said Archibald.

"We had 10 men against Hamilton and then we played the champions the other day and we didn't put a footprint in the game.

"We gave them too much respect although Celtic were rampant, they were very good. We have a chance to go up to Inverness and hopefully get a victory.

"We have to try to impose ourselves on the game.

"We haven't really done anything from a creative point of view, had shots on goal and played in the opposing half in the first two matches, so we have to do it on Wednesday.

"I watched Inverness on Saturday (in a 1-1 draw at St Johnstone) and they were outstanding for the first 45 minutes.

"I like the way (Inverness manager) John Hughes plays, he plays entertaining football so it will be a tough, tough match."

Frans returns from suspension determined to make up for his own false start to the season.

The Belgian defender, who joined Thistle last October after leaving Lierse, said: "Pre-season was pretty good, you come into the first game with a lot of confidence, you feel really good and, of course, after 25 minutes it is gone.

"I had been sent off in Belgium but this was the first time for two yellows. I am not a dirty player. I didn't pick up a yellow card in the whole of last season then in 10 minutes I get two.

"I was frustrated but that is football, you have to look at the future.

"I am really focused and show that I am ready again."