Thistle boss Stuart Davidson is hoping to banish the blues after the derby rout on Saturday, and will make changes for this weekend's home contest versus Pollok.

Stuart cited the Pollok clash two years ago at Barrfields as the ignition switch for the club's turnaround from bottom spot, and believes that Largs can rise to the occasion again with the right fighting spirit, 2pm kick-off on Saturday.

Speaking about Saturday's comprehensive defeat, Stuart said: "We were well beaten, we showed a bit in the last 15 minutes, but it is easy to do that when the game is over, and the pressure is off. I don't know why we didn't start the game that way. We just didn't come out the traps the way we expected to. I wouldn't say Kilbirnie started too great either, and it was a bit scrappy to start with.

"In our eyes, the first goal was very avoidable, and the second goal looked to be a clear foul. Even at 2-0 down we should be able to dust ourselves down but we lost another poor goal, and the fourth was a deflection, and then it was number five. The way we didn't perform or compete was really disappointing.

"I can take getting beat but if we are not competing or giving our all, then there is a bit of a problem.

"The boys have shown that they can compete and give 100% in the past, and we need to do that again.

"The first thing on Monday at training was to lift the boys, then roll up the sleeves and train hard and prepare for Saturday as that is when we have to perform."

The last time Largs played Pollok was two seasons ago when Stuart was in charge that night, and Thistle triumphed 2-0 at Newlandsfield Park, but it was the game at Barrfields Park earlier that season which was the turning point for Thistle.

Stuart recalled: "The boys gave everything and that was when the boys realised we are a decent team. We need to give our all again this Saturday, and have a bit of belief individually. All the players have showed what they can do the last couple of years, so let's see where hard work can take us. Hopefully we can get a decent crowd, as games against Pollok have been a cracker."

The good news for Largs is that assistant player manager Kevin Struthers is back in training, and Ciaran Friel is also due to return after suffering illness.

Defender Alan Gilbride and midfielder Jamie McDonald both have niggles.

Stuart said: "We are almost near a full squad, so it is up to the players to show me who is up for the fight. For teams to have an off day, we need to make teams have an off day. We can't just sit back, we need to press them, and get in their faces, and show composure in the final third."