Unfamiliar territory but Devine relishes the pressure of last-ditch battle

Danny Devine has stressed the importance of a positive attitude as Partick Thistle fight for their top-flight future.

Thistle will avoid automatic relegation and set up a playoff if they win at Dundee today, but anything less could cost them dear, as Ross County look for the victory they need against St Johnstone.

However, Devine insists Alan Archibald’s side are “relishing” the crucial encounter. The defender, right, said: “Everyone’s livelihoods are at stake so the boys are up for it.

“It hasn’t been a good season but we know we have got it in the changing room to really go out there and show what we can do, because we haven’t done it enough this year.

“I’ve never been in this situation before, it is a lot of pressure, but it’s one I’m relishing. It’s another big game. I think you just have to be positive and look forward to it. If you think negative, it’s only going to bring negative results.

“When we come in every day it’s always a positive attitude and that starts with the manager. To hear him say he believes in his players is good and can only give us a boost going into the game.the boys believe in themselves but we believe in each other.”

The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and knows he is playing for his future. “I need to prove I am worthy of staying here or going somewhere else,” the 25-yearold said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen yet. A lot of the boys don’t know.

“The club are holding off, they don’t know what league they are going to be in. It is a pressure situation for a lot of the players but it’s one we look forward to.” Dundee manager Neil Mccann expects Partick to come out fighting. “(They will be) all out, leaving noth- ing on the pitch,” he said. “I have read some comments from a number of players and of course (manager Alan Archibald) Archie and they know what is at stake and they will be coming to win.

“A draw might not even be enough because they can’t consider that Ross County won’t win their game.

“Should we need to defend, we will do, then we will look to hit them on the break because when a team needs something so badly, then of course they will be a bit open and we have to be there to capitalise.”