Thistle relishing chance to take on 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 thirdround clash as heavy favourites against the League One side.

Docherty knows it will 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.

“Personally, I’m coming back from a knee injury, so it’s nice to be back.”

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 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.

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

There are familiar faces in United’s ranks for Docherty, too, in former Ayr team-mates Lawrence Shankland and Liam Smith.

Docherty isn’t surprised their careers have progressed to both playing at Premiership level.

“I played with them both at Ayr and you could always tell that they were really good players,” he said.

“Shankland is a proven goalscorer and it’s no surprise they’ve gone on to do so well.”

Ross Docherty has his sights set on a good cup run.