DICK CAMPBELL has set Partick Thistle a two- wins target to secure their First Division status.

The Jags are on the verge of safety on the 39-point mark, but Campbell believes six more points are required to ensure survival.

And the Firhill gaffer says a win in Sunday's visit of relegation-haunted Airdrie United is the first step to security.

He said: "Initially I had thought that 40 points would be enough, but the way things are developing beneath us I think 45 points is more like it.

"We know that Airdrie will come here fighting for their lives, so we will have to match their commitment and effort. But, if we can take three points from this one, it would be a hugely significant step to safety for us."

A home win would also put Thistle 14 points clear of the Diamonds and virtually guarantee that they could not be overhauled by Kenny Black's side and consigned to the automatic relegation slot that goes with a last-place finish in Division One.

But Campbell's plans for an immediate bounce back from last Saturday's home reverse at the hands of Hamilton have been hit by continuing injury and suspension woes.

Paddy Keogh, whose form of late had been establishing him as arguably Thistle's most influential defender, will sit out the first of a two- game suspension, while battling midfielder Billy Gibson will complete his two-match ban.

Simon Donnelly's season is looking increasingly like ending prematurely due to a pelvic problem, but Alan Archibald and Mark McChrystal are both facing a race against the crock to shake off hamstring strains, while Barry Smith could make a return after recovering from a similar injury.

Campbell's defensive pick for the Diamonds' clash will be fascinating. The loss of Keogh means Thistle are desperately short on experience at the back.

Indeed, it is arguable that, had the big man remained on the park last week, Hamilton would not have benefited from the penalty conceded by Craig Sives that led to their opener.

Barry Smith looks the likeliest of Jags' recovering defenders to make it back. Whether Smith will feature on the right flank or in the middle will depend on Archibald's hamstring holding up. That would allow the fans' favourite to play, probably alongside Craig Sives, in the central defensive area with Smith at right-back.

If not, then Smith may partner either Sives or more probably Boyd at the heart of the backline.

However, it is the news his skipper Jimmy Gibson has come through a week's training without a reaction, and will return to shore up his midfield that had Campbell in upbeat mood.

The Jags boss said: "Jimmy is a massive player for us and it is only when he is out that you tend to notice his importance. His attitude, grit and determination will be vital on Sunday as these are the qualities that will win this match.

"I was happy with the performance we got in the first half against Hamilton as all that was missing was a goal. So I will be looking for a similar start and this time we must convert our chances.

"But we have benefited from having the midweek off and the extra day. I thought we looked a bit leggy at the end of the Hamilton game and we will be fresh for Sunday all right.

"These games have something of the local derby element to them though, and it is one the players are relishing."

Meanwhile, Jags have released utility defender John Kane, who had signed from Motherwell last summer.