JAMES CRAIGEN reckons Partick Thistle's Parkhead pick-me-up was the ideal launchpad for a make-or-break January.

The Jags bounced back from their 5-1 thrashing by Motherwell in impressive style on Wednesday afternoon as they turned in a much-improved performance and went toe-to-toe with the champions.

Joe Ledley's first-half strike was all that separated the teams as Alan Archibald's side more than held their own in the derby clash.

A trip to Tynecastle on Sunday is next on the agenda for Thistle as they bid to end their recent poor run of form and start moving up the Premiership standings once again.

The Jags face bottom-six rivals Ross County, Kilmarnock and St Mirren before the end of the month, as well as hosting St Johnstone, and midfielder Craigen is confident Archibald's side can up their game once again.

He said: "It was another disappointing result at Parkhead, but we have got to take heart from the performance. I thought every man was fantastic for us.

"Celtic got booed off the pitch at the end so we must have done something right.

"We knew we had to put in a performance after the Motherwell game because we let ourselves, the manager and the fans down.

"There was no better game to pick ourselves up in, and I thought we did well.

"We are going into a big period and, although we didn't get any points against Celtic, I think the performance has set us up nicely.

"We have set the standard and we need to match that in the coming weeks. It is a big spell for us and we have to do the business.

"I don't think we should be in the position we are considering how well we have played, but it is what it is.

"We have shown that we are good enough to play in this league and we just need to keep going and results will come.

"We aren't looking at what the other teams are doing, we are focusing on ourselves and our performances."

One of the positives from an encouraging Parkhead display was the performance of new Jag Lyle Taylor as he impressed on his Thistle bow.

The former Falkirk striker has joined Archibald's side until the end of the season on loan and Craigen is confident he will make a big impact at Firhill.

He said: "I thought he did really well. He has got a bit of pace and I think he will prove to be a great signing for us.

"I think he is really looking forward to playing some games and hopefully he can do well for us.

"We are pleased to have him and he adds another quality player to the squad."