STEVIE LAWLESS believes Partick Thistle are now seen as a scalp to be taken such has been there success in recent seasons.

But before anyone thinks the men from Maryhill are getting above themselves, the Thistle star still full expects his side to be written off as a top six team by those outside of Firhill.

Lawless might be wrong there, as it so happens. Even with Hibernian back in the Premiership and a few others spending a bit of money, there is no reason why a second consecutive top half finish by the Jags couldn’t be achieved.

Thistle lost to Livingston on penalties in the Betfred Cup on Saturday and they will need to accept the fact they are no longer cuddly Thistle, everyone’s second favourite team.

They have proved themselves to be one of the country’s best teams which means they are up there to be shot at.

“I think we are a scalp to the other teams in our group and it’s the same for all of the Premiership teams in each Betfred section,” said Lawless.

“It gives the other teams a chance to try to cause an upset because they are playing team from a division above them but we knew that before we started.

“We have high expectations. Each year we have made an improvement – other than one year when we dropped a place.

“We came close to the top six two seasons ago then we got in last season so it has been progression for us.

“I think we should continue to improve and I know the gaffer is thinking the same. Hopefully a strong run in the cup will help that."

Thistle are good enough to replicate last season's finish and enjoy a run in a cup - but they could do with beating St Mirren at Firhill this Saturday to get the Betfred Cup going.

It will be interesting to see how they get on in a Premiership which should be stronger this time out.

Lawless said: "We are under no illusions. The Premiership will be harder with Hibs coming up.

"They seem to be throwing a bit of money about with their signings which shows their intent so we know it’s going to be difficult.

“St Johnstone have obviously been there for years and if you look at they would probably be favourites for that sixth spot.

“So we need to concentrate on us and if we can play as we did in the second half of last season then I’m sure we’ll be up there.

"I don't think we will be one of the favourites to get it. I reckon people will probably predict that we will finish in seventh or eighth position."

Lawless spoke about Thistle's slow start to last season "we are fond of doing that" and defeat at Championship Livingston was a sore one to take.

St Mirren no Saturday should be an even more of a test.

Lawless said: "St Mirren finished the season really well and did brilliantly to get themselves out of that position.

"They probably shouldn't be down there but sometimes that happens.

"I am sure St Mirren will be trying to come up this season because they are a big club.

"We know it is going to be a difficult game but we should be the team putting our mark on them and that is what we will aim to do."

The one concern Thistle boss Alan Archibald has is that he could do with some more attacking options.

Michael O'Halloran would be a great addition and Lawless believes he is the type who could really help out.

Lawless said: "None of us that play up to are blessed with serious pace and we may be lacking a little bit there.

"The manager has produced every single year and I have every confidence in the gaffer and the longer the window goes the more he will get closer to his targets and that will be the case again."