CALLUM BOOTH is pleased to see former club Hibernian back in the big time ahead of the new Premiership campaign.

But the left-back won’t pay any attention to those that have tipped Neil Lennon’s side to pip Partick Thistle to a top six spot this term.

The Jags make the trip to Easter Road this afternoon aiming to spoil Hibs’ homecoming as they mark their return to the league.

While the Capital club will have their own lofty ambition this term, Thistle have also got targets to hit as they look to follow up on a sixth place finish last time out.

And former Leith kid Booth knows it will be a tough task for Alan Archibald’s side as they get set to kick-off another Premiership campaign.

He said: “It is as strong as it has been in the last four or five years and there is only really one so-called big club, Dundee United, that are not in the Premiership.

“What has happened with Hibs, Hearts and Rangers, they are all back up now and it is looking strong. With Celtic doing what they did last season, it is going to be a really tough league.

“All the teams are aware of how hard it is going to be but at the same time it is good getting to play at these stadiums and in these games.

“I think it is good that everyone is talking about Hibs and focusing on Hibs before this game.

“They have got the momentum and it will be flag day. That is good and hopefully we can go under the radar.

“We will prepare for it and the manager has prepared for it. Regarding the top six, everyone has picked their five teams basically that are certainties for the top six.

“But that is months away. Our main target and objective is the same as probably seven or eight other clubs. First and foremost, we want to stay safe and then we will take it from there.”

It was at Easter Road where Booth took his first steps in the game as he emerged through the Leith ranks to make a name for himself.

But it is at Firhill where he has flourished in recent years as he has become an integral part of Archibald’s side and helped the Jags establish themselves in the Premiership.

All the focus will be on Lennon and his players as a bumper crowd look to inspire Hibs to victory but Booth is confident Thistle can get off to a winning start this afternoon.

He said: “I am really looking forward to it. It will probably be a sell-out and the pitch will be immaculate I am sure. It is a great place for us to start the league campaign so I am really looking forward to it.

“It is going to be a tough game and Hibs have got the momentum from last season and coming up from the Championship.

“They will have the backing of the crowd so it will be tough. We will go there as underdogs but if we can perform like we can then it will be a really good game.

“It is the same when you go to the big grounds in Scotland and the places with big crowds. It is easier to get them on their back. They are expected to win and we will go there as underdogs.

“All the crowd will be expecting Hibs to beat us and I am sure they will come out the traps flying so hopefully we can take the sting out of the game a bit and frustrate them as much as we can.

“As the game goes on, then we can start to play our own football.”

Thistle head into the Premiership campaign on the back of wins over St Mirren, Airdrie and Stranraer as they progressed out of their Betfred Cup group.

And Booth can’t wait to get down to business in the top flight after an encouraging summer so far for boss Archibald.

He said: “There is always a buzz before the first league game, although things have changed a wee bit in the last couple of years with the cup games coming in.

“Everyone is still focusing on the first league game and it is a great one to be involved in.”