LYLE TAYLOR admits he has sympathy for fellow Firhill forward Kris Doolan after taking his place at the head of the Jags attack.

But the 23-year-old is determined to keep Thistle's top scorer on the bench for the foreseeable future after a flying start to his Jags career.

Taylor netted his first goal for Alan Archibald's side in the 2-0 win over Hearts on Sunday as they moved 20 points clear of the bottom-of-the-table men in maroon.

A lack of cutting edge has cost the Jags a series of points as they have struggled in the Premiership in recent months but they found their scoring touch in Gorgie as Taylor and defender Aaron Taylor- Sinclair clinched the points.

The former Falkirk frontman, on loan from Sheffield United, is confident he can be the icing on the cake of Thistle's flowing football.

"I played against them last year and watched them carve us apart," Taylor said.

"There are a few Scottish boys at Sheffield United and they have watched the games and I have watched them, and it is evident for everyone that has seen Partick Thistle play that they create chances and are a good, attacking side.

"The missing link was putting the ball in the net enough times to win games and points.

"Dools has been scoring goals and I don't think he will be best pleased about being out the side.

"But, in the grand scheme of things, it is about staying in this league.

"I don't think anyone is too upset. It is a squad game, it is everyone."

He went on: "The goal for me is important but the win is more important for the team.

"Goals win you games and if I was to score one between now and the end of the season and we were successful in staying up, I couldn't complain.

"As long as I play a part in helping the team do well I will be happy."

After claiming their first win since October with a comfortable triumph over Gary Locke's side, Thistle have given themselves a timely boost in the battle to beat the drop.

Just four points separate eighth-placed Kilmarnock and Ross County in 11th, and Taylor is keen to keep up the momentum in a huge few weeks for Archibald's side.

He said: "That is the aim for everyone. I don't think Ross County will be looking at it any differently.

"They probably aren't focusing on us individually and we are not focusing on them.

"It is a case of a couple of wins or four points from a couple of games can pull St Mirren and Killie back into it. Hibs conceded a late one on Sunday and they are only 10 points ahead of us.

"There are 18 games to go so 10 points isn't very many.

"We will focus on ourselves and try and put in the hard work and right performance to get the result."

Victory at Tynecastle was not the only memorable result for Taylor at the weekend, with Thistle's crucial triumph coming just hours after his Sheffield United team-mates dumped Premier League Aston Villa from the FA Cup.

Former Motherwell star Jamie Murphy and ex-Falkirk youngster Ryan Flynn were on target to shock Paul Lambert's side and Taylor has hailed the Blades heroes.

He said: "It was a really, really good result for them. I spoke to Flynny and congratulated him and Murph on scoring the two goals and I wish them every succcess for the rest of the season."