BLAIR SPITTAL says that he has regained the confidence that saw him burst onto the scene at Firhill last season in fine style.

The former Dundee United man started his Thistle career in blistering fashion, but his form tailed off as his side's struggles gnawed away at his self-belief.

But after scoring twice in the win over Queen of the South a couple of weeks back, including a goal of the season contender, the attacker feels is getting back to his best.

"It's just confidence," Spittal said. "It's hard when you are getting opportunities and they aren't going in, which is what was happening at the start of the season.

"Then when I was getting good opportunities I was maybe choosing to pass the ball rather than shoot, whereas when confidence is high you want to try stuff a lot more.

"The second goal against Queen of the South in particular, I might have chosen to pass that a few weeks ago rather than take the shot on.

"With a couple of goals under my belt now I want to build upon that and start to perform well consistently like I was at the start of last season.

"That's what I'm aiming for over the next couple of weeks, and hopefully that stretches to a couple of months and goes from there."

Spittal admits that is something of a relief to be back on home territory this weekend as Thistle take on Ross County at Firhill following another defeat on the road at Dunfermline last Friday night.

With County currently six points clear of the Jags in second place in the Championship standings, Spittal is under no illusions how pivotal a match this could be even so early in the season.

And he will be hoping to make a statement about Thistle's own promotion credentials by seeing off the high-flying Highlanders.

"It's a massive game for us and it is one we are really looking forward to," he said.

"Our home form has been good so far. There have been weeks where we've looked like putting ourselves into contention at the top by winning at home, and then our away form puts pressure on us again.

"If we want to be considered as potential promotion candidates then you have to win these sorts of games against teams like County.

"We are confident we can do that and get right back in the mix."