McCall tells Jags to ignore the critics
PARTICK THISTLE manager Ian McCall has urged his players to “block the outside noise” as the Jags look to build on Tuesday night’s goalless stalemate with Queen of the South at Firhill.
Neither side covered themselves in glory in a fairly uninspiring first half in Maryhill but Thistle will be disappointed not to have picked up their first win of 2020 after spurning a flurry of opportunities in the second period.
The hosts should have had a penalty in the second half after Dario Zanatta was felled in the box and referee David Lowe pointed to the spot but after consulting with the linesman, the official changed his mind and instead awarded a free-kick to Queens. Zanatta was adjudged to be offside but replays of the incident have shown that the decision was incorrect.
“I had a meeting with the players today and we spoke about Tuesday,” he said. “I have told the players they have to block the outside noise about how we played and look at the facts.
“We had eight opportunities to score a goal. We hit the woodwork three times and were denied a penalty which should have been given. We have to take the positives. It is all about points right now, nothing else.
“I doubt we will get that many chances at Tannadice, so we have to make sure we take them when they come along. Whether you play the teams like Alloa and Queen of the South, or Dundee United or Inverness there is no difference.
“You saw the other night four games finished 0-0. That shows how tight this league is. One win could kick us on.
“People talk about Dundee United not scoring but I don’t even look at that, I just worry about us. Hopefully we can get a bit of luck.”