STEVEN LAWLESS is confident Partick Thistle can find their shooting boots in the Premiership after seeing the Firhill forward line get off the mark in the Betfred Cup.

A lack of cutting edge has cost Alan Archibald’s side on several occasions in the top flight in recent years as they have narrowly missed out on breaking into the top six.

The Jags head into Saturday’s clash with Queen’s Park with a last 16 spot in their sights following wins over Airdrieonians, Queen of the South and Stenhousemuir.

Kris Doolan, Chris Erskine, Lawless, Mathias Pogba, Sean Welsh, David Amoo and Ade Azeez have all hit the target in the first three outings this term.

And winger Lawless hopes the signs are positive for Archibald’s side as they look to get off and running in the Premiership.

He said: “We are trying to pick up from where we left off last year and we have made some good signings and improvements so it will be interesting to see how we do.

“This is probably the first time that we have got everything covered and we have got a lot of depth. Everyone is capable of stepping in putting in a good performance.

“It is good to have that and to know that you have to look over your shoulder knowing that someone can take your place.

“We have scored seven goals now and different players are getting goals. It is good to spread it out and that is something we will look to continue.

“It is down to confidence and if we can continue playing well then I am sure the goals will come. We do have plenty of goals in the team.

“It is massive for strikers to get off and running and confidence is key for them. It is good to get early goals and it takes the pressure off them a bit so they can play with a bit more freedom.

“The strikers have scored and hopefully it will stand them in good stead for the rest of the season.”

It has been an encouraging start to the campaign for Archibald as Thistle have impressed in the Betfred Cup and closed in on top spot in Group E.

The derby clash with QP tomorrow will be the Jags’ final outing before they host Inverness on the opening week of the Premiership.

And Lawless reckons the revamped League Cup format has proven beneficial for the Firhill squad as they have got up to speed ahead of the big kick-off.

He said: “The most important thing against Stenny was getting the three points and we knew it would be a difficult game for us. It was a professional performance from us.

“I think the cup has been good. It beats playing friendly games that don’t really mean much.

“It is good to have that competitive edge so soon after coming back so I think it has been a good thing.

“It helps you get your sharpness quicker and I have enjoyed it. So far it has been a good decision to introduce it and it is better than playing friendlies against the same teams.

“We set out at the start of the group to get four wins and that is what we want to do.

“It will be a tough game on Saturday against Queen’s Park but I am sure we can get another position result.”