Graham motivated to match Jags’ legends

BRIAN GRAHAM knows the value of a good cup run. He also knows how to upset the odds as an underdog. The veteran striker was part of the Ross County side who stormed to League Cup glory in 2016, beating Celtic in the semis and Hibs in the final. Now with Partick Thistle, the road to Hampden continues today when Graham and his Jags teammates face Dundee United at Tannadice. Promotion back to the Championship remains the priority for League One Thistle, and Graham (right) feels a cup run could inspire the club. Especially when this campaign marks the centenary of Thistle’s sole Scottish Cup triumph in 1921 and 50-year anniversary of their League Cup win over Celtic in 1971. Bidding to shock their top-flight opponents, Graham, said: ‘When I was at County, nobody gave us a hope in hell we would lift that trophy at Hampden. ‘The morale and spirit was great and if we can do something similar this season, it can only benefit the place. We’ve got the new strip (limited edition to mark the centenary), which we’ll wear. So it would be good if we could get anywhere near those guys who won it 100 years ago. It’s about how we do.’ Graham spent just over a year with United earlier in his career, before a loan spell at St Johnstone. ‘I don’t really feel like I’ve got a point to prove,’ he said. ‘I went to St Johnstone and scored 11 goals in the Premier League that year, finished fourth in the table and qualified for Europe, so my point has been noted.’