Point is we can go one better

GARY RALSTON

MILES STOREY will be on the outside looking in but is still backing Partick Thistle to go one better against Rangers.

The Jags striker is ruled out of tomorrow night’s Betfred Cup quarter-final because he played for former club Aberdeen in an earlier round.

It’s a blow for boss Alan Archibald after Storey, 23, turned in a performance at Firhill on Friday night that earned him the man-of-thematch award from the home support.

Thistle haven’t defeated Rangers on their own patch since May 1993 but Storey believes they can deliver this time and pile more pressure on Pedro Caixinha ahead of Saturday’s Old Firm crunch.

He said: “I’m cup-tied and I’m disappointed as I enjoyed Friday night’s league game.

“There’s no reason we can’t beat them after the confidence we’ve taken from the 2-2 draw.

“Rangers were good on the ball. I know Ryan Jack from Aberdeen and he makes them tick. He’s added a different aspect to their game and a bit of quality.

“Graham Dorrans scored a great goal as well and they have improved but they still have weaknesses, as all teams do.

“There’s no fear from us. We pass the ball well and have good technical players and all these good performances will carry into Tuesday.

“We’re only one game away from a Hampden semi-final and there’s no reason we can’t win.”

Thistle are slowly finding their feet this season after finishing top six last year for the first time under Archibald. They lost their first four matches but Friday’s draw followed on from another point earned in a 1-1 draw at Ross County.

Storey added: “We’ve had a hard start but I’m sure results will come. We have to be more careful with our final pass and learn to see our games out.”