Jags relishing chance to prove themselves against top flight side

THE league is the priority but Partick Thistle midfielder Ross Docherty would love to see the club go on a Scottish Cup run, starting against Dundee United tomorrow.

United welcome the Jags to Tannadice for the third-round clash as heavy favourites against the League One side.

Docherty knows it’ll be a massive test for the Firhill men, going up against Premiership opposition, but insists Thistle are hoping to prove themselves capable of stepping up a level.

The Maryhill side are currently sitting in the play-off spots and hope to gain promotion to the Championship in what will be a frantic end to the season.

Kicking on with a cup win at the weekend would be the perfect springboard, believes Docherty.

“It’s a massive test for us in terms of it being completely different for us, not dominating the game as we have done most of the season in the league,” the 28-year-old said.

“It’s a team who, unlike the last week or two, have been training and playing throughout the season non-stop.

“We’re wanting to win games and do well, proving ourselves against the bigger clubs, like United two divisions above, but the league is the priority, nobody is getting away from that.

“It would be brilliant if we went on a wee cup run.

It would add to the congested fixture list but you don’t go out and go, ‘I’m not really bothered today’.

“We’re going to come and give our all. I’m looking forward to the game and I’m sure all the other boys are as well.”

With league action only returning at the end of last month for Scotland’s bottom two divisions after a coronavirus-enforced break, Docherty insists they’re just happy to be back playing in any competition.

For the former Ayr United, Livingston and Airdrie midfield man, however, time off has benefited his recovery from a knee injury.

It’s not been the dream season for the Jags, expected to challenge Falkirk at the top of the table, but, sitting fourth, Docherty hopes they can build now they’re back on the pitch.

“It’s been a few months, so boys are just happy to be back,” he said.

“I know there’s a big, busy schedule for League One and Two clubs. A lot of them are part-time but we’ve got the luxury of being full-time.

“It’s still going to be tough but I think the majority of boys in the leagues will be delighted to get back on the park.”

Docherty, who signed on at Firhill last summer from the Honest Men, admits the chance to work with former boss Ian McCall was a big pull in him switching Ayrshire for Glasgow and dropping down a division in the process.

It’s been a hard adjustment, settling in at a new club full of fresh faces on the park and no fans, but one the experienced campaigner is rising to.

“Being with the manager was a big pull, it’s helped me settle, and I know a lot of the coaching staff as well from Ayr like Neil Scally,” he continued.

“It was a bit strange at first, not knowing the players or being able to socialise, but the more you train and are in amongst it, it’s a wee bit easier.

“We’re gelling more as the season goes on.”

Partick Thistle midfielder Ross Docherty.