Partick Thistle manager Ian McCall says his squad are getting excited ahead of the League Cup kick off next week.
The Jags have been warming up for the first competitive match since March with a series of friendly matches. McCall’s former side Ayr United travelled to Firhill on Wednesday for a friendly whilst Hearts are welcomed to Maryhill this afternoon.
Premiership St Mirren await Partick Thistle next week in the League Cup, followed by a match with Queen’s Park next Saturday. It’s competitive minutes ahead of the League One start against Clyde on October 17.
McCall says that fitness is building within the ranks of his squad as he reserved special praise for Dundee United loanee Declan Glass after his loan move to the Jags.
“Usually, you’ve got a wee bit of an advantage playing a Premiership team but I think it’s St Mirren that have the advantage,” said McCall. “They battle hard and they started the season well but they’ve not done so well lately.
“They’ve had a lot of proper football matches which makes it a wee bit harder but our fitness is coming on. Our match fitness is coming along well and there’s nothing wrong with our physical fitness.
“We’ve got three games in the Betfred Cup before our league games – not that I’m taking the Betfred Cup lightly because I never do – but hopefully they’ll all be up to speed and desperate to get in the team when we play Clyde at Broadwood [on the opening day].
“It’s hard but we’re getting there. Look at Darren Brownlie – the game at Tynecastle was his first in six months. It’s hard for players. All our players came back in really good condition but it’s just so different to match fitness. I’m sure they’ll all be excited to play the first three Betfred games.
“He’s (Glass) got terrific ability and he’ll get used to getting shouted at by his team-mates because when you’re that type of player you’re always getting shouted at. He’s got to be brave, to try and beat people and try and score goals and do the right things.”