PARTICK THISTLE face an arduous run of eight games in four weeks as they bid to reel in Irn-Bru First Division leaders Morton.

The Jags have had a frustrating winter as several matches have been called-off and the latest, Saturday's trip to Raith Rovers, leaves them with a congested fixture list between now and the end of the season.

The postponement of the Raith clash, now to be played on March 12 with a 7.45pm kick-off, came a week after they saw a rearranged trip to Cowdenbeath frozen off.

With a home fixture against Hamilton still to be played, Thistle will have to pull out all the stops to make up the eight- point deficit to the Ton.

The Jags travel to Cappielow this weekend hoping to play their first game in three weeks as interim boss Alan Archibald bids to make his managerial bow.

He has been placed in temporary charge of first-team matters following the departure of Jackie McNamara to Dundee United and could yet be given the chance to lead Thistle to title glory.

The Firhill board have been inundated with applications for the top job but are in no hurry to name their man.

A statement read: "The Board of Directors had their first meeting to discuss the situation on Friday and have agreed that continuity is key.

"In that respect we are very fortunate to have Alan at the club. He has been an integral part of the management team until this point, and someone we feel is capable of continuing our good form this season.

"The Board have received numerous applications for the manager position and it would be remiss of us not to review each and every one as part of a proper appointment process.

"This will be carried out in an appropriate manner and we would confirm that we are in no rush to make any immediate changes. Any decision will be made with the best interest of the football club in mind.

"We have been delighted with the feeling of togetherness emanating from Jags fans everywhere and would ask that the outstanding support we have received throughout this season be continued, particularly during this period of key fixtures."