ALAN ARCHIBALD reckons Partick Thistle's Firhill horror show against Ross County has been the turning point in their campaign.

The Jags crashed to a 3-1 home defeat to Jim McIntyre's side in February as fears grew that they could get dragged into the Premiership relegation battle.

Since then, Thistle have had just one blip - a 1-0 defeat in Dingwall - as they have put together an impressive run of form at just the right time.

After seeing off St Johnstone and Inverness at Firhill and taking a point from second-placed Aberdeen on Saturday, Archibald's side face Celtic tonight in high spirits and fine form.

The Jags are edging closer to retaining their top flight berth for next term and boss Archibald is determined to keep moving in the right direction.

He said: "We just need to look after ourselves. We've said all along that it's in our own hands where we finish in the league and it still is. That's all you can ask for.

"We've had three clean sheets in a row which is a really good record at the back. We're delighted with that although it's not just the back four and the goalkeeper, it's our overall shape and how hard we are working.

"Over the last few weeks, it's been a real team effort to get those clean sheets.

"The Ross County game out there, we were really poor.

"We knew that and we spoke about it. Ever since that game we've worked a lot harder.

"I'm not saying we weren't working hard before but we realised we had to dig in and stick together whereas that performance looked like individuals on a poor run of form.

"Since then we've kicked on which has been really pleasing."

Thistle may have hit a purple patch in recent weeks as they have finally put a consistent run of results together but they face arguably their biggest test of the campaign tonight.

The Jags have shipped ten goals without reply against Celtic so far this term and make the trip to Parkhead with Ronny Deila's side closing in on retaining their Premiership crown.

After a shaky start in the East End, the Norwegian has won over many of his doubters in recent months and Archibald is pleased to see Deila making his mark as he looks to overcome the Hoops.

He said: "They've kicked on. As a fellow manager, you're delighted the way he's gone and done it. I think Ronny has answered all his critics.

"There's been a turnaround in the way they play - a high-pressing. High-tempo game.

"They've also strengthened in January as we found to our cost. The first time Gary Mack-Steven and Stuart Armstrong played was against us and they were outstanding out there.

"They've got a squad who all know their jobs now. They bring guys in in different positions but they all know what they are doing. We know it will be a tough, tough task.

"I've only spoken to him just after games. But you can see as a club they are going in the right direction - the players, the fans and the staff.

"He was getting a bit of stick early on and I don't think managers like seeing anyone in that position.

"He's stuck to his guns and it's good to see anyone in your profession doing that. He's getting his rewards now, which is good to see."