Archibald wants wind assistance on call-off risk

Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald has called for an early decision to be made on their Dingwall trip for the sake of supporters amid storm warnings.

Winds of up to 90mph are expected to strike Scotland today and an amber “be prepared” warning has been issued for the Highlands by the Met Office.

Thistle will set off early, but Archibald does not want fans to be put at risk by needlessly embarking on a 365-mile round trip in dangerous conditions so close to Christmas.

Archibald said: “My biggest concern is for the fans. We will prepare as normal and leave earlier because we have pre-match (meal). As far as we are concerned the game is on and we will go with that. All we have had is the weather warnings. It’s the fans you feel for, the timing of it, the journey, and the dangerous weather conditions.

“My viewpoint is, if it’s a danger for the fans, it shouldn’t be on. But it’s a decision that has to be made early.”

Archibald will set up his team with strong winds firmly in his thought process. “You’ve got to take it into consideration in how you play and how you set up,” he said. “It was windy there last week, I watched their game back against Aberdeen and it played a part in that game as well. We need to make sure we are set up for whatever the weather throws at us.”

Ross County goalkeeper Scott Fox, meanwhile, is not fooled by former club Thistle’s position at the foot of the table.

County are on an unbeaten six-match run but Fox knows they will need to be at their best against the Maryhill team.

“They are a good side,” Fox said. “We played them down there and they had the lion’s share of possession and created a few chances. We were probably lucky to get a draw.

“Their position right now is not where they should be – they should be a wee bit higher.”