SIMON STOREY believes the international break has come at exactly the right time for Partick Thistle.

The Firhill squad was stretched to the absolute limit during Sunday's hard-fought, home 1-1 draw against Dundee.

However, now with an 11-day gap to what could well be the season-defining clash against leaders St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park, the likeable Australian is hopeful the Jags may soon be approaching full strength.

"We have a fairly small squad in comparison with the other sides at the top with just 17," said Storey, "and the injuries have now started to bite. I think that really showed against Dundee when, after using two subs, we only had two centre-backs on the bench and the sub goalie Craig Hinchcliffe.

"When things are as tight as that, it restricts the manager's options to change things around, and at 1-0 down, it was not an easy call to bring on Willie Kinniburgh, a centre-back, and take off David Rowson, a midfielder.

"However, the great thing for us is that the international break has come at exactly the right time.

"With a bit of luck, we will have Liam Buchanan and Simon Donnelly both back for the trip to Perth."

Storey added: "If we can take anything from McDiarmid Park, then St Johnstone have a massive week with back-to-back games with Dunfermline that could make things very interesting. So whatever way you look at it, there is still all to play for."

The 26-year-old's versatility has made him a valuable commodity for Partick boss Ian McCall, as he has sought to juggle his defensive options in the wake of injuries that have robbed Thistle of skipper Alan Archibald, John Robertson and Ian Maxwell at various times of the season.

And Storey has no doubt that the gutsy point ground out of the Dundee game may prove a vital one as the season reaches its final six-game stretch for the Jags.

He said: "It was an extremely hard-fought point, and you just don't know how valuable it could be in the run-in. The great thing for us is that it has kept us within three points of St Johnstone, and we go there on Saturday week with it all to play for.

"Maybe there were some nerves on Sunday but that is only because it was such a massive game for both sides.

"You could see that by how much effort we both put in. However, Dundee was never going to be an easy game, and the main thing is we have maintained the six-point gap with them and stayed within a win of St Johnstone."

Indeed, Storey played a more prominent role than normal in the weekend draw with Jocky Scott's Dundee, because it was the man from Melbourne who sent in a great cross which was met by Kevin McKinlay for the Thistle equaliser.

With battling wins on the road against Ross County and Dunfermline taking Thistle's unbeaten away record for 2009 to six games, the versatile Storey reckons his mates can approach their impending battle with the Perth Saints with some confidence.

He said: "I think we have done well over the last three games. The defeat by Clyde was a real disappointment to us all, and we have fronted up and responded to that with seven points from nine against Ross County, Dunfermline and then the draw with Dundee.

"Given our record against County previously this season, and the fact we hadn't beaten Dunfermline at their place in 26 years, they were big wins. I think it does give you a bit of confidence when you have another big game away, this time at St Johnstone, where our record has not been good.

"However, to be going into the final six games just three points off St Johnstone is really pleasing. I think we are in a stronger position that we would probably have expected."