Thistle's new assistant boss Kevin Struthers admits that it has been a baptism of fire since his new appointment, but believes the club can still turn things round this season.

Largs have a home league encounter with Arthurlie on Saturday, 2pm kick-off at Barrfields Park, as they hope to get off their marks in the Premier League.

Although Largs are pointless after eight games, the new assistant pointed out that the club has turned it round from tricky predicaments before, and sees no reason why it can't be done again.

Arthurlie beat Troon 3-0 on Saturday, and could make life difficult after beating Thistle 4-2 last month, but the Barrfields men put in a good display against Pollok before falling away late in the game in their last league match at Barrfields.

Kevin said: "It has been a tough time of it but we will get there, slowly but surely. We know what we need to do and we are working hard to get there."

Kevin's first game as assistant came with a 1-0 win over Wishaw in the West of Scotland Cup, but Thistle were trounced in the next game after a dispiriting 5-0 defeat at Kilbirnie Ladeside.

The experienced forward said: "Even the slightest mistake in the Premier League can get punished, whereas last season, we got away with it, but now we are up against a better quality of player. We had a bounce game on Saturday and it was good to get the boys together. Some of the players in our side have been in this situation before, and we know what is necessary to try and turn it round."

Kevin himself has been missing due to injury, and suffered from a virus which put him into hospital, but he has been at training in recent weeks, and could be available.

"Bringing in Iain Fisher has made a difference," said Kevin, "and his long throws are definitely another option for setting up goalscoring opportunities. I feel a bit sorry for James Marks and Robert Love as they have been carrying the forward line all season as I have been out, but if I get back into the team, it will give them a helping hand.

"We have been getting good turn-outs at training, and if the boys keep listening to what me and Arnie (manager Stuart Davidson) are saying, and concentrate over the full 90 minutes, and cut out the individual mistakes, we can do it."

Thistle missed out on midfielder Findlay Frye who moved from Pollok to Kilwinning, and Kevin said: "We tried to sign Findlay but it is a very difficult to compete financially in this league. However, we will keep looking to try and bring in new players."

Largs drew 2-2 with Neilston in a friendly encounter on Monday evening at Glasgow Green. The goalscorers were Kris Littler and Alec McWatters.

* Curryoake fundraiser ... Largs Thistle are hosting a curry fun night and karaoke on Saturday 26 November from 7.30pm until 1am at the Masonic Hall in Largs. It promises to have a festival feel with the opportunity to win xmas gifts on the evening. Contact Peter Connor for tickets - £5 each.