FORMER Scotland keeper Alan Rough reckons Kenny Arthur can be the Partick Thistle hero as the Jags try to take another SPL scalp in the Scottish Cup.

Arthur, 27, who has been at Firhill since he was 13, was outstanding for the Second Division side in their march towards Saturday's quarter-final against Hearts at Tynecastle.

Rough, in goal when Thistle stunned Celtic 4-1 in the 1971 League Cup Final, isn't in the least surprised -because he's done his bit to help mould Arthur's career.

The former Scotland star said: "I did some coaching with Kenny a couple of years or so ago when Gerry Collins was the manager.

"He certainly is an excellent goalkeeper and will have a big part to play against Hearts. He's a very sensible big guy who thrives on occasions like this, playing in front of a full house at Tynecastle.

"And, as everyone knows, the keeper at the other end, Craig Gordon, has had a fantastic season himself playing for his club and country."

Rough is convinced that Campbell and his No.2, Jimmy Bone, who scored Thistle's fourth goal in the 1971 final triumph, are the perfect pair to drive their team into the semi-finals. He said: "Jimmy and I were in the same team for a long time and I know him well.

"Both Jimmy and Dick are big-time motivators. With these two in charge the players will be in the right frame of mind for this game and Thistle should never be written off, no matter what league they play in.

"In the last round against Inveress, Thistle produced an absolutely super show and the players were all buzzing with enthusiasm. I'm sure Dick will have his players really fired up again for this match.

"It's not going to be a stroll in the park for Hearts. If Thistle are to lose, Hearts will at least know they've been in a game.

"When we beat Celtic 4-1 it was one of the biggest shocks ever. I'm hoping Thistle can do something similar on Saturday."

Taken from the Daily Record