LYLE TAYLOR has sent out a message to Partick Thistle's doubters - look at us now.

The Jags finished the season strongly in eighth place in the SPFL Premiership and comfortably avoiding the relegation battle in the process.

Despite not being able to reach seventh-placed Hamilton Accies, Alan Archibald's men actually finished on more points than Dundee in sixth.

Two wins, two draws and just one defeat summed up their post-split report card.

It is a credible record that Taylor is proud of, and he told SportTimes that he was happy to silence the critics who not only tipped Thistle for relegation at the start of the term, but questioned their ability late on to survival a basement scrap.

"It remains to be seen how far we can go," said the striker.

"There were people out there saying we were going to be relegated after we played Celtic [in October when they lost 6-0 at Parkhead] and then before we played Ross County at the start of the split I read we were favourites to pick up least points.

"That just tells you that some people don't have a clue. We feel we have proved them wrong.

"We were disappointed we couldn't catch Hamilton but next year we will be looking for more points again and as a club looking to grow."

Taylor has been an integral part to Thistle's success this year.

The Jags brought the Scunthorpe man back for his second loan period at the club in January with him scoring in his first game against Inverness.

It was not a one off as the former Falkirk man went on to rack up four goals as well as turn in countless impressive performances.

Taylor is still under contract at the Iron for another year, but he has hinted that there may still be hope of seeing him in a red and yellow striped jersey again.

"I've enjoyed it. It's like a second home here so I enjoy it and I enjoy being in Glasgow," he said.

"I honestly haven't got a clue at the moment. It's out of my hands and is between the two clubs.

"I've made my feelings known so we will see what happens.

"We'll see what happens. I'm sure there will be something to write about one way or another.

"Any footballer just wants to be wanted and the fans, staff and hierarchy at this club have always been brilliant with me. I have a lot of time for them.

"Thankfully they all have a lot of time for me as well."

One of the factors which could entice him back is the lure of shooting for European football.

Despite falling just short of securing a top-six place this year, Thistle are keen to progress and know that making it into the top half of the table could bring them within touching distance of continental football.

Taylor added: "To play in Europe is an incentive for any footballer, everyone wants to play in the Europa League or a Champions League. If they didn't you'd have to question why.

"It's an ambition but there is a lot of time between now and the end of the season for this club, for me, for each individual so who knows what will happen?"