PARTICK THISTLE ace Dan Seaborne still rues the major cup shock that got away.

Now he is determined to ensure a place in the history books doesn't pass him by again when the Jags head to Parkhead next month.

Seaborne was part of the Southampton side that were edged out by Manchester United three years ago as Sir Alex Ferguson inspired his side to a FA Cup success.

Goals from Michael Owen and Javier Hernandez won it for the Red Devils as Seaborne was left to ponder what might have been in the fourth round tie at St Mary's.

The defender will get another chance to write his name into cup folklore when Alan Archibald's side face Celtic after they saw off St Mirren on Tuesday night to set up a quarter-final clash.

And the new Jags star knows anything can happen as Thistle look to take another step towards Hampden.

Seaborne said: "I have had a couple of big ties in England.

"I played against Man Utd a couple of times for Exeter and Southampton.

"I didn't get into the last eight down there because there are a lot more teams and it is more difficult to get as far as we have got already.

"I am really looking forward to the quarter finals and I think we can go and do well."

He went on: Against Manchester United we went 1-0 and they ended up beating us 2-1. It was a tie that we should have won.

"That was at a time when they were pulling out results out of anything. It was definitely one I felt that got away.

"Looking forward to the Celtic game, it is something you can draw experience from to try and prevent that happening again.

"We had a bit of luck in the game the other night but it is something to draw confidence from and hopefully we can get a run going."

Before Thistle can dream of more cup glory, Archibald's side have to first find their feet in the Premiership.

It has been a frustrating start to the season for the Jags as they have failed to build on impressive wins over Ross County and Inverness at Firhill.

Seaborne returned to the heart of the Thistle defence in midweek after recovering from an ankle knock.

And the 27-year-old is confident Archibald's side can kickstart their campaign when they face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park this afternoon.

Seaborne said: "The league is the most important thing for myself and the club.

"The league is where we think we can really do well.

"We feel we have got a good chance in the cup as well but the league is the next game and that is the one we are looking forward to. We want to try and build a bit of momentum.

"We have got the quality in the squad to be beating teams in this league and we will give anyone a really good game.

"We have quality players in the squad and the manager prepares us well.

"The St Mirren league game was one we were disappointed with, it was a really tight game and one, at home, we wanted to see out.

"It was disappointing to come out of the game with nothing."