PARTICK star Kallum Higginbotham is determined to pile the pressure on under-fire Kilmarnock and spark Thistle's push for the top six.

The Jags welcome Allan Johnston's side to Firhill this afternoon knowing victory will take them to within two points of Killie in the Premiership standings.

The Rugby Park outfit are on a miserable run of form and crashed to a 3-0 defeat against Rangers last weekend as they went out of the Scottish Cup with a whimper at Ibrox.

And Higginbotham is eager to exploit any mental weakness in the Ayrshire ranks.

He said: "If we get an early goal then the confidence will drain out of them hopefully. I think we owe them one for the performance we put in earlier in the season when they beat us 3-0 at their place. We owe our fans a good display.

"Last season we struggled at home and didn't win at Firhill until late in the campaign. When something is going against you, we know it is hard to turn it around.

"Killie have now lost five in a row so if we can start well and get their fans on their back, hopefully we can get the win."

Thistle are five points off a top-six place and seven clear of the relegation zone. It has been a frustrating campaign for boss Alan Archibald so far as his side have struggled to string results together.

But Higgy's sights are only set in one direction as the Jags look onwards and upwards.

He said: "With the quality in our team, I think we are a top-six side. I am not just saying that because I play here. I train with the lads every day and I know how good we can be.

"But we have to get a run of results together. We haven't won back-to-back league games since I've been here.

"It is about getting that run of form and, hopefully, we can start that today."

Kilmarnock were well beaten at Ibrox as they turned in an abject performance. But Higgy admits he elected to tune into the action on offer from south of the border rather than check out the Scottish Cup-tie on TV last weekend.

The winger said: "I watched a bit of it. I tend to watch Super Sunday in England. It is more entertaining.

"There is not much difference between the top league here and the Championship.

"They are both much the same and it shows how bad Hibs and Hearts struggled last season that they've gone down there and Hibs haven't set the heather on fire.

"It shows the quality in the Championship is there.

"When I was at Falkirk and played at that level there were good players.

"On any given week, anyone can beat anyone else. Look at Alloa against Rangers.

"It depends on who wants it most on the day. Some teams turn up and think they'll roll over the likes of Alloa. Football doesn't work like that."