The Jags interim boss has seen his side notch up four clean sheets in a row as they have kept up the pressure on Irn-Bru First Division leaders Morton in recent weeks.

Archie has yet to take to the field since replacing Jackie McNamara in the dugout, though, leaving Conrad Balatoni and Aaron Muirhead as Thistle's only recognised central defensive stars.

With Paul Paton out injured and only inexperienced youngsters waiting in the wings, the Firhill boss has few options in place if injuries or suspensions strike his in-form rearguard.

The Jags face a hectic run of nine games in the next month as they bid for league and Ramsdens Cup glory, and Archibald could dip into the loan market for reinforcements.

He said: "It is something we might need to act on if we get an injury. We have a couple of plans in place if that is the case.

"I am still here, we have a couple of younger boys as well, and we have Paul Paton, who is out at the moment unfortunately, who can play at centre-back as well.

"We have got options and we are aware we might need to act with the number of games coming up.

"That's the downside to the backlog of fixtures – when you get injuries you don't have long to recover. The boys are all fit enough but, hopefully, we won't get a couple of knocks.

"It is not ideal because we are outwith the transfer window and it will probably just be an emergency loan. We have got a few names there in case we need them. It is something we will keep an eye on.

"We have got a bit of time before we have to make a move, but it is something we are thinking about."

After seeing their trip to Raith Rovers called off last Tuesday night, Thistle now turn their attentions to a clash with Hamilton Accies tomorrow knowing that victory could take them top of the standings.

With two Tuesday trips to Fife on the horizon, and home midweek ties with Raith Rovers and Morton on the cards, the Jags have a hectic run-in ahead of them and Archibald knows it will get off to a tricky start in Lanarkshire.

He said: "We have got a busy few weeks coming up, but it is something that we will have to deal with. It is frustrating.

"The games don't mean anything until you have played them and, hopefully, won them. We need to get the points on the board. That is what you want, not games in hand.

"Hamilton are one of our most difficult opponents in the league. We have struggled against them away from home.

"We know how hard it will be through there. They will make the game tight and make it hard for us, and they have got some good players as well and players that can score goals.

"We will need to be at our best to get any sort of result. They are always well organised, Billy Reid is good tactically and he always has them right up for the game.

"He is a very good manager, he has been there for a long time and they always make it difficult for us.

"They have done the same to Morton this season and that is a warning to us as to how hard it will be."