My dad is very ill in hospital right now, I'm trying to deal with that as well as the football side

Jags gaffer leading push for glory amid off-field anguish

- ALAN ROBERTSON

KRIS DOOLAN has enough to contend with off the pitch that tonight does fall into the insignificant category.

So the fact he continues to devote his energy to Partick Thistle's promotion cause amid it all speaks as much to the man as the manager.

Jags kick off their play-off bid at home to Queen's Park, the first of six games should their top-flight ambitions be realised.

Having lost just one of 13 in charge, Firhill legend Doolan has had no time to switch off since being parachuted into the role three months ago.

His dad now being in hospital puts what unfolds tonight in perspective, although the 36-year-old was still so gracious with his time on the eve of their quarter-final first leg.

Reflecting on life since being handed the responsibility of getting Thistle up, he said: "There's no time at all, that's the key, it is 24 hours a day. It's been tough, in terms of you don't get a minute's peace.