ERSKINE’S JAGS PLAN TO ATTACK

IT HAS taken Partick Thistle precisely eight days to do what took them three months last season — namely, winning two games of football. For Chris Erskine, who’s returned to the club after an ill-fated spell at Dundee United, the contrast in fortunes is anything but a coincidence. Despite being easy on the eye in the earlier part of last season, a predictability in front of goal saw them go 10 matches without a win. But the addition of Ade Azeez to the existing front-line options of Kris Doolan and Mathias Pogba means there’s now a versatility to Alan Archibald’s side that was palpably lacking last season. ‘There are a few different options up front,’ said Erskine. ‘That can only be good for us going forward. ‘The boys have spoken about the fact there were a lot of games which were 0-0 at half-time and they’d go on and sneak a win in the end. ‘You’ve got to get the first goal and preferably an early goal to settle everyone down. Hopefully, we will now be able to do that.’ Erskine picked up a man of the match award in Thistle’s 2-1 win over Queen of the South on Saturday that leaves them in pole position in Group E of the Betfred Cup. After a three-year hiatus, the 29-year-old feels like he’s never been away. It’s been great since I came back. I’ve really enjoyed being back so far,’ he added. ‘I knew I was coming back since January and was looking forward to it from that point on. ‘It’s gone smoothly so far. I’ve enjoyed pre-season and the first couple of games have gone well, too. ‘There are different boys in the dressing room, but it’s kind of the same — a friendly place for new boys coming in. It’s upbeat and there are some different characters in it. ‘I’m a bit more experienced from when I was last here. ‘It was good to go and try something else. I don’t regret trying it at Dundee United even though it didn’t work out like I wanted it to. You’ve got to go and try these things. I’m grateful to be back. ‘I’ve obviously been here before and it’s great that the club wanted me back again. ‘I think just because I didn’t have a good season last year, I’m really looking to do well this year.’ Victory at Stenhousemuir tonight would put the Jags within touching distance of the last 16 ahead of their clash with Queen’s Park. ‘We spoke before the game on Saturday that because Queens had won their first two games, it was going to be the case that whoever won this game would be looking to try and top the group,’ said Erskine. ‘It puts us in a good position now.’