Never mind Old Firm, we've got Hearts to beat

OF ALL the debates that have arisen this season over standards in Scottish football, there has been one stubborn question: have standards among the Old Firm fallen or has the standard of the rest increased?

With a Scottish Cup quarter-final weekend looming - that is not only bereft of either Celtic or Rangers, but contains a fair splattering of lower league representatives - veteran Jags striker Ricky Gillies is certain of his opinion.

It would be difficult to argue that either half of the Old Firm have sustained the form of previous seasons, but Gillies is unperturbed about what goes on elsewhere.

"It is great for Scottish football," he enthused. "It's not just us, a Second Division side, preparing to head to Tynecastle and take on a side that have been absolutely flying this season, but you also have the likes of Gretna and St Mirren in there as well.

"It is unusual and I am sure that whoever does get through to the final in May, it'll probably be quite an unfamiliar line-up.

"The thing is, with no Old Firm, everyone will fancy their chances of being able to go on and win it and we'll see some great games this weekend.

"I remember back in 1987 when St Mirren won the Scottish Cup.

"My wife's family are all big Saints fans and they were there at Hampden and had a brilliant time. During the years I spent at Love Street, I know how much it meant to the club to have achieved that.

"For a club like Thistle to be competing in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup is excellent and it's a real chance for us to make the most of it."

The Jags took Hearts to a replay in the Scottish Cup last season, eventually going out of the competition after a 2-1 defeat at Tynecastle.

As such, there will be those in the Jags line-up who won't be fazed by a trip to Tynecastle and for Gillies it is a chance to be seized.

"We really had a dress rehearsal for this one when we faced Inverness in the last round," he said. "It was a great scalp for us to go and beat an SPL side and we really don't have any fear ahead of Saturday's game.

"It goes without saying that Hearts are expected to be in the hat for the semi-final, but there is no point in us turning up with that kind of attitude.

"We know that we are a decent team on our day. Our strengths lie in an ability to work hard for one another and while Hearts have players like Paul Hartley and Rudi Skacel, who are capable of winning games with one clever movement, we know that we have to work as a unit."

Gillies continued: "For Thistle, being in the Second Division, the chance to play live on Sky in successive weeks is brilliant and it does add an extra dimension to Saturday's game.

"Financially, I don't think you can underestimate what this does for the club.

"As players, our focus is more so on the game and our preparation for it, but it would be impossible not to appreciate the impact this will have on the finances.

"Two live games on Sky as well as the replay after Inverness is brilliant for Thistle and hopefully can give everyone a bit of security."

Adam Strachan stood out against Inverness last week and Gillies is pleased the youngster will have another chance to shine.

"His pace would trouble anyone and for the experienced guys in the squad this is one we're looking forward to, so for a young guy like that I'm sure he'll feel that it's a superb opportunity."

Taken from Evening Times