PRINCE BUABEN has urged Alan Archibald to keep calm and carry on as he looks to guide Partick Thistle to Premiership safety.

The Jags have recorded just one win in their last 17 games and head into today's clash with Aberdeen second bottom of the top-flight table.

The visit of the Dons to Firhill comes a week after Thistle threw away a 3-2 lead against Motherwell inside the dying minutes as yet more points were squandered.

Buaben admits the Fir Park defeat hit the Jags hard but the midfielder has praised boss Archibald for his approach in adversity.

He said: "I've been in plenty of dressing rooms like that and it's difficult to come in after a game like that. We were so close to taking the three points and everyone was so disappointed.

"What happened in the last 10 minutes should have been prevented. But the gaffer was great, he told us to keep our heads up and make sure we don't take the disappointment into the next game. Hopefully we can do well in the next game.

"He doesn't throw cups or anything like that as I don't believe it's any good for a player to have a go at you like that.

"I need to credit the gaffer for the way he reacted after the game. He wasn't happy but he tried to tell us to make sure we focus on the next game.

"He was positive rather than having a go at the players. Even during training this week he has been amazing. He's a manager who tries to give you confidence and that's what we need.

"The gaffer has said that we just need to try and win games, train hard and work our way up the table.

"It was never going to be easy but with the players we have I believe we can stay up."

If Thistle are to overhaul St Mirren, Kilmarnock and Ross County and beat the drop this term, they will have to end their shocking home form that has seen them fail to win a Premiership clash at Firhill this season.

They have lost all three of their encounters with Derek McInnes' side in a frustrating campaign and the Dons will be odds-on favourites to complete a clean sweep today.

Buaben said: "Everyone is expecting us to lose against Aberdeen. But we need to try and make sure we stay in the game for as long as we can and hopefully nick a goal.

"We need to focus for the full 90 minutes if we are going to get a result."

Despite finding themselves 11th in the standings with just 12 matches to go, Thistle are by no means consigned to the relegation play-off place this term.

And former Dundee United star Buaben is confident the Jags have what it takes to maintain their top-flight berth following his January switch from Carlisle.

He said: "There have been many runs like this in my career up until now and it's all about keeping your belief."