GERRY BRITTON has appealed to Partick Thistle fans to turn out in force at Love Street tomorrow.
The Partick Thistle co-boss knows victory over St Mirren is vital if his side are not to fall further behind in the First Division title race.
After last week's Firhill flop against Falkirk, Britton feels the Jags support can be their twelfth man tomorrow.
He said: "The atmosphere at Firhill last week was fantastic and it was great to see a crowd of over 5000 there but, if anything, the noise our fans make on the road is even better.
"Their support tomorrow will be vital because they really do make a difference.
"Going to Love Street right now is a really tough assignment for any side and the fact the boys will run out there and be met by a roar from our supporters will automatically give them a lift.
"I remember playing the last time we went to Love Street - when we won the First Divi-sion title two years ago - and the Thistle fans were unbelievable that day.
"The team knows we owe the fans an improvement after last week's defeat and hope-fully they will turn up in their numbers and get right behind us tomorrow."
After a week of soul-searching at Firhill, Britton and co- boss Derek Whyte are determined to get it right against the Buddies.
Britton said: "The major problems last week against Falkirk were that we didn't take our chances. We didn't get into the wide areas and provide decent service for either Juan Ramon Escalas or Leigh Hinds.
"These two have shown if they get the ball where it
matters they will hurt the opposition - but they didn't see enough of it in the vital areas."
HE WENT on: "We created four decent chances in the first half and took none, while Falkirk created three and scored two. That was the difference.
"However, everybody is very upbeat and the fact that we have such a big game right away is a major positive."
Britton has pinpointed veteran hitman Mixu Paatelainen as a major dangerman.
The Jags gaffer admitted: "Big Mixu has started the season in excellent form and he will certainly provide a physical challenge to our defence. He's also full of intelligent flicks and great at bringing his fellow strikers into the game.
"St Mirren's confidence will be high, and rightly so, as they have made a good start to the season. It's up to us to raise our game accordingly."
Jean Anis is suspended but defender Ian Ross comes into contention for a place on the left flank.
Although Britton strolled through Tuesday night's 4-2 reserve victory against Queen's Park the Love Street game will come too soon for him.
However, Andy Dowie also comes into contention after returning unscathed from duty with the Scotland Under-21s.
In the meantime, the Jags are continuing their efforts to add an attacking midfielder to the squad.