SCOTT PATERSON is confident interim boss Alan Archibald is the ideal man to steady the ship at Partick Thistle.

The club captain has been placed in charge of first-team matters following the departure of Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly to Dundee United last week.

Archibald was denied his dugout debut on Saturday when the Jags' Irn-Bru First Division fixture with Cowdenbeath at Central Park was called off.

The Firhill hierarchy will discuss who will be McNamara's successor this week, but Paterson is delighted to be helping his former team-mate for however long his call of duty lasts.

He said: "It is good Archie has been put in charge. He worked with Jackie and there is continuity. Hopefully we will get a good response from the players.

"Training has been good, the players have done well and worked at a good tempo. At the end of the day, there is not a big change. I like to play good football so there is no real major difference.

"It is hard for Archie, but that is football. A lot of players are becoming young managers and it is a good time to break through. It's a chance for him and me.

"Of course there is a bit of uncertainty, but hopefully the players can put that to the back of their minds.

"We have to put what has happened recently behind us and the team must do what they are good at, playing good football and winning.

"It could be for one game, it could be until the end of the season, we don't know. I am just in helping my mate out and hopefully we can pass on some advice to the players."

While Archibald has made his first steps into management this year with the Thistle youth sides, Paterson has tasted title success on the other side of the white line.

He was the assistant to Gary Bollan when Livingston won the Irn-Bru Third and Second Division crowns before being sacked 12 months ago.

His Thistle return marks a step back into first-team football – and Paterson is relishing the opportunity.

He said: "I am up in Aberdeen coaching in the youth academy there. I spoke to Neil Simpson to let him know the situation.

"It has been put on hold just now as I look to come here and help Thistle. It is good to be back involved with a club that I have such a connection with.

"What happened at Livi and the way we were treated was disappointing. Things went on, politics and stuff, but I have got over it now.

"When opportunities like this come along, you can't knock it back, especially with the affinity I have for the club.

"I am looking forward to it. We don't know how long it will be for but we will work really hard to hopefully continue what has gone before under Jackie and Simon, and win games."