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MANAGER Paul Hartley says he and the players are excited about the prospect of getting back to League One action this weekend.

We face Partick Thistle at Firhill Stadium on Saturday in what will be our first competitive fixture since January 9.

Paul said: “We will all just be glad to get back to playing football.

“It’s been hard waiting to find out if we would be able to return, so you can understand the excitement around the club about going to Firhill.

“The long lay-off still means there are tough challenges ahead for all of us.

“I can only thank the players for really looking after themselves during the shutdown.

“They were away from the club for far longer than they would ever be during a normal mid-season break.

“It’s a testament to their professionalism that they have come back in peak condition, which has really helped us make best use of the limited time we’ve had to prepare for the remaining games.

“But we accept it’s still going to testing because none of us have experienced the sort of problems we’ve had to face over the course of this campaign.”

The agreed format for the remaining League One programme has us scheduled to play seven league fixtures between this weekend and April 20.

We also have to face Rangers at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup during that period.

The division will then be split into a top five and bottom five before the remaining four matches are completed.

Paul said: “We have a very tough opening fixture against Partick, the games then come thick and fast and we do’t exactly have the biggest squad to choose from.

“It’s going to be tough trying to book a place in the top half when the league splits but we will give it our best shot.”

The manager confirmed left-back Harry Milne will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to an ankle injury.

Everyone at the club would like to wish Harry a speedy recovery.

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