ALAN ARCHIBALD, the Partick Thistle manager, has set a target of bringing in at least two more players before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night.

The Ladbrokes Premiership side have suffered a slow start to a campaign that has seen them yet to savour a victory this season, with three draws and two defeats all they have to show for their efforts. Archibald believes his team are not far away from turning a corner, but insists that extra bodies are required if competition for places is to help bring his side on and kickstart their season.

He admitted that Thistle have already missed on one potential signing this week, but insisted it won’t stop the Firhill club’s recruitment drive over the weekend and into next week. “We’re still looking to bring in players but it’s the same old story - you could play a tape,” said Archibald.

“We’ve missed out on a couple as usual but we definitely need competition in a couple of areas of the pitch. There is scope to bring people in but not a big budget. Hopefully with some players getting desperate, budgets being readjusted, and people moving on, space will be freed up.

“Ideally we can bring in at least two, whether it’s after the deadline or not. We’re short in the full-back area. We missed out on a player during the week because he went elsewhere for more money and that’s just the way it is.

“A wee bit of movement elsewhere, with players becoming surplus to requirements, could help us. We’re looking for anything we can get - loans and permanent signings.”

High-flying Aberdeen are the visitors to Firhill this weekend as Thistle attempt to stop the rot. Archibald admires the strength and depth of the Pittodrie club, especially with Derek McInnes recruiting players like Paul Quinn and Graeme Shinnie, two players who have been captains earlier in the career.

“The games certainly don’t get any easier” said the Thistle manager. “You’re on a bad run and then you get Aberdeen! It’s a good game to get up for, though. The players will enjoy playing against the second-best team in the country last season.

“We’re aware it will be a very tough test but we did okay against them at the end of last season and we’ll be looking for a similar type of performance.”

He added: “We give every team respect, but we’ll just look at their weaknesses and see where we can exploit them.

“They have a big, strong squad, and I think that’s their main strength this year. They’ve brought in two captains from other teams and that’s really enhanced them.”

He added: “This week is the first time we haven’t had two or three main guys out and I have a full complement to pick from. Hopefully that will give us confidence.”