FREDERIC FRANS reckons Partick Thistle's fighting spirit shone through as they moved closer to Premiership safety on Saturday.

Alan Archibald's side are now seven points clear of eleventh-placed Motherwell after a 2-0 win over the Steelmen at Firhill.

The Jags have hit an impressive run of form in recent weeks as they have given themselves breathing space at the foot of the standings and moved up to eighth spot.

Thistle won't get the chance to keep up the momentum this weekend as they get set for a Saturday on the sidelines due to the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Frans is frustrated at not being able to take to the field but is delighted Archibald's squad have been able to head into the break with a spring in their step.

"I had a lot of confidence in [the team]," he told ptfc.co.uk

"I've seen it in training and in the previous games, even at Celtic Park. There are a lot of good things in this team.

"We've a really big fighting spirit and everyone wants to work for each other. I'm proud to be a part of this team.

"It might not have been the most beautiful game but we won it with the heart.

"It's disappointing [not to have a game this weekend] because you want to play as many games as possible and we're in good form. The free week gives us a good feeling.

"It's worse when you lose a game because you want to make it right, so it's good to get a win.

"We just need to win as many games as possible in the final five and see where we end up.

"Everything will be very close and it can always change but it's all in our hands. The aim is to be secure mathematically firstly and then finish as high as possible."