Del demands the title prize

Jan 16 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

DEREK McInnes wasted no time fretting over the midweek cup exit.

And with title rivals Partick Thistle next up in Glasgow, the Saints manager quickly steered the attention of disappointed players to tomorrow’s clash at Firhill.

Wednesday was a day for rub downs, ice baths and a review of the Rangers video.

But McInnes is now seeking a win in the west which would establish a nine point advantage over the Jags.

And that would make amends for the 4-0 defeat in August, which is the only loss Saints have suffered on the road.

Thistle have lost just twice on home turf.

But McInnes pointed out that a 14-game unbeaten league run and the quality of the cup performance against Rangers ensured his players go into the game in good heart.

“The Rangers game is out of the system and our focus is back on the league. Everything has been geared towards Saturday,” he said.

“Firhill is a difficult venue as we know to our cost over the last couple of seasons. We need to be right for this one.

“Thistle are definitely title contenders. I know that within their camp they feel they can go on and win it.

“But we are a different animal from the side which lost there early in the season and our 3-0 home win went some way to make-up for that result.”

McInnes was pleased with huge swathes of the midweek display and made a point of acknowledging the support from Perth fans.

He said: “It was great to have the stadium buzzing and our fans were brilliant.

“They turned up in numbers and certainly got right behind the team. We want to take the club back to the Premier League so they can look forward to big games on a regular basis. I’m determined to make that happen.”

His weekend line-up will influenced by fitness tests, with Stevie Milne under the microscope after being unable to start against Rangers.

McInnes said: “Savo worked hard to overcome the thigh injury and he was desperate to be involved against Rangers.

“He will be assessed in advance of the Partick game.”

But McInnes was delighted with the response of Andy Jackson, who replaced Milne in the frontline.

He said: “Andy worked the defence hard and looked back to his usual self after the injury problems.”

Midfielder Martin Hardie remains in the doubtful category but striker Peter MacDonald has returned to training.

SAINTS head for Ross County for a re-arranged league game on February 7. It will be a 3pm kick-off. The original game in Dingwall fell victim to the weather.