PAUL GALLACHER insists he won't pull rank to get a break during Partick Thistle's pre-season programme.

The 35-year-old combines his duties as a member of Alan Archibald's first-team squad with a place on the Firhill coaching staff, working with fellow-goalies Scott Fox, Marc Waters and Scott Basalaj while mentoring loan shot-stopper Ryan Scully, who has rejoined Dunfermline.

Boss Archibald has been putting his squad through their paces for almost a fortnight now as preparations continue for their first SPFL Premiership game against Ross County next month.

A 3-1 win over FC Pinatar got their Spanish training camp off to a solid start on Wednesday, with a game against English Championship side Brighton to come tomorrow.

And Gallacher is more than happy to put in the hours rather than taking up an observation position on the sidelines as the other Jags keepers eye his No.1 jersey.

He said: "I think I am on pre-season No.19 now. Some of the boys here aren't even 19!

"It doesn't get any easier but it is something you need to put in. There is lots of running but I am holding my own and doing alright.

"I am working with the keepers as well, it is about getting back into good routines.

"It has been tough but I have been through a few now. They get worse every year.

"But it is part and parcel of football, you have got to get the good base level of fitness and put the work in.

"As a coach, I need to lead by example and work to a high standard to keep driving the younger guys on.

"We have got a good group here, especially the goalies.

"We are close-knit and work really hard. It has been great so far.

"We are in decent shape but there is room for improvement."