Managers seduced by the pot of gold offered by Champions League qualification or maintaining Premier League status tend to field shadow teams in the early stages of the competition. Thistle match winner Adam Barton has direct experience of cup competitions south of the border in his days with clubs including Coventry and Portsmouth and he is delighted that the status of the William Hill Scottish Cup remains undiminished.

Partick boss Alan Archibald admitted the heavy fixture schedule list over the festive period had taken its toll on his players after they were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock. The Jags missed out on sealing their place in the top six before the winter break despite back to back victories over Ross County and Dundee which propelled them off the foot of the table and into the top half.