DAN SEABORNE hopes he will be fit to return to action this weekend after missing Partick Thistle's Premiership clash with St Mirren.

The defender has been one of the key men for Alan Archibald's side so far this season, but was absent from the Jags line-up that lost 1-0 to the Buddies.

Seaborne had to watch on from the stands as James Dayton netted the only goal of the game and Thistle were again left frustrated.

The Jags host Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup this weekend, and the 27-year-old is eager to get back on the park.

Seaborne said: "I strained my calf in training last Wednesday and didn't think much about it, but when I got home it flared up and I couldn't train again.

"I had a fitness test and we couldn't risk it. It was a big game and I was wanting to play. I really wanted to play, but it was one of those things that the manager and physio had a chat about.

"There was a risk I could be out for a few weeks, or even longer, if things went wrong. Hopefully it will clear up and I will be fit for Saturday. I won't be training much this week.

"I will get a bit of treatment and see how things go towards the end of the week."

If missing out on the Saints showdown wasn't bad enough for Seaborne, the stopper then had to endure a disappointing 90 minutes as his Thistle team-mates were defeated by the Buddies.

The Jags couldn't break down a resolute Saints rearguard and it was to prove another opportunity missed as Gary Teale's side moved to within seven points of them in the standings.

And Seaborne knows the Firhill squad must pick themselves up quickly as attentions turn to the visit of Inverness.

He said: "I get more nervous before a game if I am not playing than if I am. It is tough to watch when you are out. It wasn't a good night for us and it was a really disappointing result, so we need to get over it quickly and look ahead to Saturday.

"All the lads were really frustrated, but there is nothing we can do about it now. We had the weekend to think it over and now it is done and dusted.

"We are all looking forward to Saturday now. We will have a good, positive week and work hard in training.

"It is a big game for us and we need to get the St Mirren game out of our system as quickly as possible."

After again being thwarted in their bid to climb the Premiership standings, Thistle will take a welcome break from league duty.

The Jags have hit seven goals as they have collected six points from their two meetings with John Hughes' side this term, but Seaborne isn't taking anything for granted.

He said: "A cup run is always good. I haven't had that many during my career. It would be nice if we could go on a run this season. But we know Inverness are a really good side and it will be a tough game for us.

"It is one we are looking forward to though, and hopefully we can get the result we want."