PAUL GALLACHER hopes Partick Thistle can put any fears about another relegation scrap to bed sooner rather than later so they can concentrate on catching the teams above them in the Premiership standings.

The Jags' ambitions of a top six finish this term suffered another blow on Saturday as they went down 2-0 to St Johnstone, leaving them ninth in the table and eleven points adrift of Tommy Wright's side.

The clash with Hamilton at Firhill this evening is a quick-fire chance for Thistle to get back on track and record a much needed win after another frustrating spell.

It took Alan Archibald's side until the penultimate game of the campaign to secure their Premiership status last time out and Gallacher is keen to put the issue to bed as soon as possible.

He said: "It was a sore one to take on Saturday so it is good we have another game coming quickly and we are looking to rectify things and get three points on the board.

"We don't want to get sucked into another relegation battle. We want to get more points and aim high. We do need a few wins to ease the nerves and gain some confidence to push ourselves up the table.

"First and foremost, you want to remain in the league and play at the highest level. If we could then go on and get top six, that would be fantastic.

"We need to get points on the board and try and push upwards. We don't want to be in another dogfight. The sooner we start putting a run of results together the better."

While Thistle are eyeing all three points at Firhill to give them a bottom six boost, Accies are flying high further up the table.

Martin Canning will again take the side as he continues as interim boss following Alex Neil's departure.

But Gallacher is confident Thistle will know what to expect as they face Hamilton for the fourth time this season tonight.

He said: "They are exactly the same. They are young, energetic and they play a high intensity game.

"We know it is going to be a tough game for us. There has been no charge from when Alex Neil was the manager.

"Hopefully we can match their work-rate and our creative players can get on the ball and we can score some goals.

"There has not been a lot in the games but the league positions tell their own story. We want to play well but we will have to adapt to the conditions.

"We have got talented footballers in our team so hopefully we can show a bit of spark and get the goals to get us the points."

Gallacher was left helpless at McDiarmid Park as goals from Dave Mackay and Steven Anderson sealed the win for the Saints.

The 35-year-old is one of a number of players out of contract in the summer but holding off Scott Fox for the Firhill gloves is his top priority right now.

Gallacher said: "I haven't spoken to the manager about a contract yet. I am just focusing on playing and staying in the team.

"The coaching aspect is fantastic and I am loving it but I know I can play at this level and I want to do that for as long as I can.

"The way Scottish football is, there will be very few players get tied up early doors. It is a case of waiting and see for clubs.

"I have still got a few years playing left in me. It is tough with Foxy pushing me all the way but I want to stay in the team."