O'Donnell looking for improvement
Partick defender Stephen O'Donnell admits he and his side have not been up to scratch lately.
The Firhill side kicked off the season on fire by roasting Ross County 4-0 on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign.
But back-to-back defeats against newly-promoted Hamilton and a rejuvenated Aberdeen have taken the shine off their sparkling start.
Now O'Donnell has urged his team-mates to make amends for their last two lacklustre displays by shooting down John Hughes' unbeaten Inverness at home on Saturday.
He said: "We had a great start to the season but the last two games have been very disappointing in terms of my own standards and the rest of the team's standards.
"We just have to make sure we do everything we can in training and then on Saturday's game to make sure we bounce back.
"We played Hamilton and felt we should have done better. That was the result which really hurt. We came up the season before them but we certainly didn't take it for granted that we would beat them.
"They played well, stopped us playing and have now won four games out of five, so you have to take your hat off to them.
"We didn't manage to get that run at the start of last season but we have to forget about it."
Thistle were the new kids on the top-flight block last term and did enough to stave off relegation and the play-offs as they squeezed into 10th spot.
But O'Donnell - back in the Jags side after missing the final six weeks of last term with a hip injury - does not fear a bout of second-season syndrome hitting their chances this year.
"I'm treating it like I did last season," he said.. "We are here on merit and if we want to stay here we need to win games and pick up points.
"We have got the players to do that I believe and while injuries and suspensions might come into play, I would hope we would have enough to make sure we are still here next season."
Partick boss Alan Archibald has been rocked by the news midfielder Gary Fraser could be ruled out for up to three months.
The former Bolton youngster has been diagnosed with a stress fracture in his knee and could be kept out of action for anything between six and 12 weeks.
Sean Welsh also remains out with a long-term groin complaint but Jordan McMillan could return from his hamstring lay-off.
Inverness are celebrating a monthly awards clean sweep, but manager John Hughes wishes the recognition had never happened.
The Scottish Premiership manager of the month joined Ross Draper and young player Ryan Christie in collecting their SPFL awards following an unbeaten start to the season which included victory over Celtic.
Hughes said: "We have had a right good start to the season but the most important thing is, let's put it in the cupboard and let's not get blase.
"In fact I'm honest enough to say I wish it never happened.
"It's a great achievement for the club and it is for the club. It shows how far we have come and everyone has played their part.
"But I'm one of these guys that has always been taught to be humble and keep your feet on the ground.
"As soon as you stick your head above the parapet, someone wants to swipe at it.
"Hopefully that will not happen, but the way we have trained over the past two or three days shows me they are ready to go for Partick."
Hughes rightly pointed out that Caley Thistle's early-season achievements are all the more impressive given they have been without their influential captain Richie Foran, who is still recovering from knee surgery.
But he feels other players, including midfielder Draper, have taken on the leadership mantle.
"Ross Draper has grabbed the bull by the horns and really played his part," Hughes said.
"People forget he is only 25. He has had a real tough paper round, that's for sure.
"But he has still got the best years in front of him."
Hughes is still waiting on playmaker James Vincent proving his fitness ahead of the trip. Vincent has missed the Scottish Premiership leaders' last two games with a groin injury.
Foran (knee) remains out but Danny Devine is in contention following a knee injury and Josh Meekings has brushed off a training ground knock.
Source: PA
