PARTICK THISTLE’S Paul McGinn fancies making a bit of history by being one of three brothers playing for three different clubs in the Premiership.

But he fears that won’t happen and not because his team are going to be relegated – that’s simply not happening - or that St Mirren, who are captained by big brother Stephen, will blow their promotion chances.

The right-back is absolutely sure two of the family will get the chance to play one another in the next campaign – but John’s rise is such that he is almost certain to leave Hibernian for England this summer.

But even if there are ‘only’ two McGinns kicking about the top league next season, they are sure to be a good watch.

The Firhill McGinn said: “I would love to play against my brother next season. I have played with Stephen, but never against him, while I have played against John.

“Livingston are chasing St Mirren but they are looking good I think. I would be nice to play against him. I certainly don’t want to pass him on the way down – and that’s not even been considered.

“It would be interesting if there are three brothers playing for different teams in the Premiership next season, but I don’t think John will be there. I can’t see him going anywhere else but the top.

“In saying that, I think Stephen psyched out in the last game of last season. He got into John’s head. Hibs were already champions, but St Mirren needed a point to ensure they weren’t in the play-offs.

“I remember Neil Lennon pulled John aside and asked him if he was alright to play and he said of course but it must have been hard because he knew that livelihoods were at stake at St Mirren.

“Stephen can be pretty ruthless! I think John’s nicer – that’s the problem.

“So, I know what’s coming my way next season and I’ll be more prepared than John. We’re similar ages and played a lot together so he won’t be getting one over me.”

Thistle face Aberdeen today and if they are to be a Premiership side next season, they need to start picking up points.

They are second bottom having lost two on the bounce and McGinn knows there has to be an improvement - beginning at Firhill today.

He said: "It’s infuriating that we failed to see out the last two matches. We tried to see out the Dundee one whereas in the Hamilton game we looked like the ones who would win it when we got hit with a sucker punch.

“It was a really sloppy goal too which made it all the more annoying.

“One win can make all the difference because it’s such a tight league.

“I thought maybe St Johnstone were getting clear but maybe they’re back in it."

McGinn was adamant that for Thistle to beat the Dons, they would need to keep close tabs on an old team-mate of his.

The Jags man said: "I played with Kenny McLean for a year at St Mirren and I could see he would be a top player.

“He was playing a similar role to the one he is playing now – a bit deeper.

“You could see in training he was very good and I think we all felt he would get a move, as he has done to Norwich.

“After I left he kicked on and scored a lot of goals in a struggling team, playing in that role behind the striker.

“I think he can move to the next level. A lot of other boys have moved down south – although not so many recently.

“You still see the likes of James McArthur still doing really well and I think Kenny could so the same. I would be surprised if he didn’t."