Manager: Kris Doolan
A beloved figure as a player, Kris Doolan stepped into the breach following Ian McCall’s exit in February and has overseen an incredible run of just one defeat in 17 matches.
Doolan’s Jags have been free-scoring – hitting 16 in four cinch Premiership play-off matches to date with their total for the full campaign sitting at 98.
As a goalscoring hero himself, it is perhaps little surprise that Doolan has overseen a side which plays attractive, attacking football.
Should Thistle make history by becoming the first fourth-place side in the cinch Championship to earn promotion then Doolan’s legendary Firhill status will simply continue to grow.
Midfield Maestro: Kyle Turner
While Stuart Bannigan and Steven Lawless have been there and bought the promotion t-shirt with Thistle, the pair are also helping to bring out the best in dynamic central midfielder Kyle Turner.
The 25-year-old has made 48 appearances at the heart of the side in 2022/23 with his energy playing a big part in the club’s push for promotion.
Whether providing the supply for Thistle’s wide players or getting up the field in support of the strikers, Turner is entering his peak years with seven goals to his name this term.
Winning the midfield battle may be key in this play-off matchup so Turner’s contribution will be closely watched if the Jags are to finish the job.
Speed Demon: Scott Tiffoney
After being named in the Championship Team of the Season by his fellow professionals last year, Tiffoney has taken his game to a new level since Kris Doolan’s arrival.
Eight goals in his last 13 matches shows how dangerous the 24-year-old can be cutting in from his favoured position on the left flank.
Blessed with fierce pace and comfortably dribbling past opponents, Tiffoney helps to relieve pressure on the Thistle defence as well as helping to pin rival full-backs deep within their own territory.
Coming into form at the perfect time of the season, expect County’s defenders to be well warned about Tiffoney ahead of Thursday’s first leg.
The Talisman: Brian Graham
Doolan’s departure as a player left a void for the Thistle support which Brian Graham has gone some way to filling with his all-action displays and goal-scoring exploits.
A leader on the field as well as off it, Graham is still firing on all fronts at the age of 35.
With 20 goals already this campaign, Thistle’s number nine remains a brilliant penalty box striker and has thrived on the plentiful supply he’s enjoyed from his team-mates.
As he comes up against his old side, Graham will be more than ready to go up against Alex Iacovitti and Jack Baldwin at the heart of the Staggies rearguard.
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