I’ll weigh in to help Dools hit the ton
Edwards desperate to get in on the act for landmark goal
RYAN EDWARDS is desperate to help team-mate Kris Doolan bag his 100th goal for Partick Thistle today and fire Thistle clear of Kilmarnock in the race for the top six.
The Aussie midfielder displayed his trademark selflessness as he teed up Doolan for last week’s opener against Inverness.
He now wants to repeat the feat today at Rugby Park and in the process move the Jags clear of the sides pursuing them for that all-important place in the top half of the table.
“I got the assist for Dools 99th goal, which was great,” Edwards said.
“I said to Kris ‘I would love to set up your hundredth’ because obviously he was close at the start of the season.
“Kilmarnock have been performing really well since Lee McCulloch took over. We’ve watched their videos and have analysed them.
“They’ve been using Kris Boyd up top and he’s been really effective for them. They’ve got good energy in the midfield, which is similar to us.
“They are used to their pitch, so it will be a difficult game and they deserve to be where they are as well. We’re looking forward to the game.
“It’s difficult because if you lose or you drop pp points you’re back in a dogfight. If you win you further yourself from the group so eachch game is more important rtant than the last one. .
“This game me is massive for us to o further ourselves ves and for Kililmarnock as well for r them to get into the top six. If we get the three points it’s going to be crucial for our push for the top six.”
EDWARDS was disappointed to miss out on the final Australian squadq for their forthcoming World Cup qualifi qualifiers after initially makin making the 30man party. Just to be i n the thoughts of coachco Ange Postecoglu is an hon- our for Edwards though, and he plans to use this near miss as an incentive to perform even better for Thistle and force his way into the 23.
“It’s given me a great buzz to know that I’m close now,” he said. “I think the next camp is in June for the Confederations Cup, which will be massive.
“I targeted this March squad to try and get involved and it happened, so I was really happy. Now it just trying to make that next step and try and finish the season really strongly and keep knocking on the door.”
The influence of his club management team and his Thistle team-mates in providing an environment for him to flourish is not lost on Edwards.
“Personal performances and team performances have helped,” he said.
“That’s why I’d like to thank the manager and everyone at the club, even the physio team for keeping me fit. I’ve played nearly every game.
“Outside of Celtic, we are the in-form team, so that’s been great. We’re in a position now where we are not chasing teams, we’re looking up.
“It’s a better pressure. You feel more relaxed and confident going into the game.
“Whoever has the most consistent results will finish in the top six. So far we have done that and I think we deserve to be in the top six and it’s a matter of just continuing that.”