Cairney was on target in the 74th minute against Morton at Firhill on Monday night, sealing the points in a 1-0 victory in what had become a must-win match.

League leaders Dundee had unexpectedly slipped on Sunday, losing to lowly Airdrie United, so the pressure was on Thistle to get a result.

It was mission accomplished in an edgy match, played in front of the BBC Alba TV cameras.

Thistle are now third in Division One, eight points behind the leaders but with a game in hand.

Cairney said: "I was ecstatic to get that goal, but that's not the main talking point. The thing about that match was our performance as a team. We stuck together and got through it. Jonny Tuffey in goal had some great saves in particular.

"It really was a vital win and the pressure was on us with Dundee's result. Now, if we win our game in hand, the points difference will be just five points, which is nothing in this league."

The Jags won't be in league action this Saturday as they are taking on SPL's Dundee United in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup at Firhill. Cairney says that this is the kind of game they want to be involved in week-in, week-out in the SPL.

He told Herald Sport: "Dundee United are having a good season, despite their recent wobble.

"It will be a hard match but all the boys are looking forward to it. That's the kind of opponents we want to be facing all the time and it's always good to see how you measure up to these teams."

Monday night's game was also significant in that it saw the farewell of assistant manager Gerry Britton, who is leaving to pursue a law career, although he will still help with youth development.

The Jags legend has for years been dubbed the 'King of Spain' by Thistle fans for reasons now shrouded in mystery and the pre-match entertainment had a Spanish theme to it.

Cairney said: "Gerry's a legend at the club, and he got a great send-off. It was a great night for him and a great result for us all."