ALAN ARCHIBALD admits losing Stuart Bannigan is a big blow for Partick Thistle after the SFA threw out his red-card appeal.

The midfielder was sent off for a challenge on John Guidetti during the 6-0 cup defeat at Parkhead last week.

Thistle launched a bid to have the decision overturned and Bannigan played in the 3-3 draw with Hamilton Accies on Saturday.

But Archibald will now be without the 22-year-old for the Premiership clash with St Mirren tomorrow and one League Cup tie next term.

He said: "We felt we had a case once we watched it back - there were different ways you could watch it and it was just the timing of it.

"The boy Guidetti doesn't move his leg and Stuart just wipes the ball out but we have lost it so we will move on.

"Stuart now misses two games and starts this weekend against St Mirren. He will be a big loss for us on Saturday.

"Gerry Britton went with Stuart to the appeal in the morning but they still thought it was serious foul play.

"It is disappointing to lose him and that is why we appealed because he is a big player for us.

"This now gives someone else a chance to come in and stake a claim."

Thistle will feel Bannigan's absence in the middle of the park tomorrow but the Buddies are also without one of their key performers.

Skipper Jim Goodwin has accepted a three-game ban after elbowing Dundee United's Aidan Connolly.

Jags boss Archibald said: "Jim is their main player in terms of his experience.

"He did well in the two games before - he is a real organiser for them.

"I am sure he will be a big loss for them as Stuart Bannigan will be for us."

Thistle make the trip to Paisley eager to get back on track in the Premiership and pile more misery on the under-fire Saints.

The Jags are four points ahead of Tommy Craig's side and Archibald is determined to keep up the pressure.

He said: "Teams did it to us last year so I know the position Tommy is in right now. No-one felt sorry for us and we will not feel sorry for them. We have got to go there with an attitude to try and get the first goal."

While St Mirren have struggled to pick up points recently, Thistle have also failed to hit the heights this term.

The Jags were distraught last weekend as Accies snatched a late point at New Douglas Park.

But for Archibald the form of winger Steven Lawless has been one of the silver linings in recent weeks.

The Firhill gaffer said: "Stevie started on fire last season as well and this season he has kept that up. The wee man knew he had to kick on this season and he worked hard in pre-season.

"He has not only worked on his game but also on his physical attributes as well so we are getting the best out of him."