League is priority insists Archie
Partick Thistle gaffer Alan Archibald praised his side’s efforts against Celtic – but ins ist s thei r crunch Championship clash with Dundee United next week is more important.
The relegated Jags fought hard against the Betfred Cup holders at Firhill and they gave Celtic a fright when Andrea MbuyiMutombo made it 1-1.
But quick-fire goals from Moussa Dembele and Tom Rogic put the tie beyond their reach.
Archibald was proud of his young team’s display but says he’d rather pick up three points against United in the league.
He said : “We were delighted to get the goal and I felt we matched them in t e rms of their combination play.
“But for their second goal, it was two give- and- go’s and we had to deal with it better. As a team when you score a goal you’re always vulnerable so it was an important five minutes for us and they scored.
“But we’re a young side, we don’t have a lot of match experience and they will benefit from this.
“Aidan Fitzpatrick set up our goal and he’s only 17 but very direct.
“We have a number of good young players. James Penrice showed a real maturity up against Rogic for 75 minutes and used the ball well.
“That’s the silver lining with relegation, there will be more opportunities for these boys.
“And next week is more of a cup final for us against Dundee United.
“If I had to pick a game to win it would be that one, not today against Celtic.
“It’s important for the lads to take the positives from this performance and make sure we build on it in the Championship.”