Frans surprised by situation

Defender Frederic Frans admits he is surprised that Partick have found themselves in a position where they could be dragged into the relegation mix.

Thistle had enjoyed a decent run of results before losing to Celtic at Parkhead in midweek.

But another loss against Motherwell on Saturday would see them sit just a single point ahead of the second-bottom Steelmen.

With St Mirren now cast adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, the battle is now on for the rest of the teams to avoid the play-offs.

Frans said: "If you'd asked me a couple of weeks ago, I wouldn't have thought this would happen.

"We had a small bad run but in recent weeks we have picked up good results.

"We are on a pretty good run but the teams below us are as well. I didn't expect them to come so close to us.

"It's a big game because it could be a big gap if we win.

"If we lose, there is even the chance that Ross County could go ahead of us. It's a massive game.

"It's not nice to have this situation as I think we have had a good season. But we are here now and we just have to win this game.''

The prospect of playing in big games like Wednesday's clash at Celtic Park was one of the reasons why Frans joined Thistle last year.

But the Belgian insists Saturday's clash against Motherwell is the biggest match he has faced so far during his time at Firhill.

He said: "You love the big games against Celtic but a game like this one against Motherwell is also a game that you love as a football player.

"I like the pressure. That's why you play - you want to win, you want to succeed and go higher up the league.

"These are important games and the games you want to play in.

"At this moment, it's the biggest game of the season.

"Maybe in a few weeks, there will be another game that will be the biggest.

"Just now, this one is a huge, important game and we have to win it.''

Boss Alan Archibald is confident his side can build on home wins against St Johnstone and Inverness with the backing of their fans.

He said: "It's a vital game for ourselves.

"It's a home game and a chance to stretch the points going into the split, which would be great.

"I don't think we can relax if we win but it would make it a hell of a lot easier for us.

"With Motherwell putting results together, it makes it a big game.

"We've had two very good back-to-back home results and hopefully the fans get behind us again and we can get a victory for them.

"We are in confident mood and we are looking forward to the game.''