Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson believes goalkeeper Scott Fox deserves a warm reception from travelling Ross County fans tomorrow at Firhill.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper left Dingwall in the summer to be closer to his family after failing to agree terms on a new contract.
The departure brought to an end a successful four years for Fox with the Staggies, during which time he helped the club lift the League Cup in 2016 while achieving a top-six Premiership finish.
Fox, with 147 County appearances in all, was also integral to the team that won last season’s silverware double by securing the Championship trophy and Irn-Bru Cup.
Since returning to past club Partick, Fox has managed just two League Cup group game appearances while playing second fiddle to young Jamie Sneddon.
The goalkeeper – a nemesis for disgruntled Maryhill fans while in Dingwall – did not have the chance to bid farewell to County fans this summer.
Asked if Fox deserved a good response from County fans, Ferguson said: “Absolutely. Scott was a fantastic servant to the football club and, rightfully, has his place high up on a pedestal through his performances over a number of years.
“It will be nice to see Scott again, but obviously we’ll be looking to put some balls past him – and he’ll understand that. He’ll be looking to keep the ball out of the net!
“Scott’s a guy we’ve a lot of respect for, but for 90 minutes, if he plays, we’ll be trying to beat him, that’s for sure.”
County’s 2016 triumph over Hibernian at Hampden Park in the League Cup final ensures the trophy holds a special place in club affections.
Having swept through the group stages unbeaten, Ferguson is eyeing a place in the last eight.
He added: “Stuart and I see this as a great opportunity to get to a quarter-final of a national competition. Partick have recruited well over the summer and have aspirations of getting out of the Championship.
“Gary Caldwell is an innovative manager in his thinking, so it will be a real test down there, a different type of test to what we encountered at Tynecastle last weekend.
“We’re back to being favourites to win because we’re the Premiership team, but it’s a game the players are looking forward to.”
County look likely to have a full fit squad barring longer-term midfield absentee Don Cowie.
Iain Vigurs exited the scoreless draw with Hearts injured, but has recovered swiftly from what was a cut and impact injury to his leg.