Partick Thistle manager Alan Archibald has called upon the SPFL to make an early decision over whether tonight’s game at Ross County goes ahead, with Storm Barbara set to hit the country.

The Jags boss is concerned that the club’s supporters might be given news of a call-off having already set off on the long journey north, and that their safety may even be compromised.

While he would rather have the game go ahead, he says that the inconvenience to fans as well as their wellbeing must be the issues that take paramount importance.

“I don’t think there will be a problem with the pitch, the issue is with the travel conditions,” Archibald said.

“It’s difficult as the weather changes all the time and you need to go with the forecast.

“I just hope the game is on as we’ve had a few trips where it’s been touch and go before and the game has been called off.

“I’d like to think there will be an early call but I know there won’t be as they never do.

“We had Aberdeen at Firhill last season and we knew the game was going to be off.

“We asked for an early pitch inspection which is difficult to get but we were trying to make it fairer for the fans as they are the ones who should be the priority.

“It is horrific playing in high winds, it makes it a non-spectacle. You don’t want a scenario where we go up there and get the game started only for it to be called off.

“That’s the dilemma. If you ask any player then they’ll tell you the wind is the worst thing, especially for goalkeepers, it can become an absolute nightmare.”

The Thistle players enjoyed a festive lunch yesterday before they set out for Dingwall at midday today, and Archibald says that it was a good way to bring the whole club together.

“The chef looks after the boys here and he always puts a Christmas dinner on,” he said. “The young lads ate all the chipolatas and I got nothing.

“It was healthy stuff and it’s a good club that way as the chef is friendly with the players.”