Preview - St Mirren (a)

St Mirren have been going well this season – they were fancied by many to win the First Division and they already have a sizable lead over their rivals. The Buddies have shown cup pedigree too by winning the Challenge Cup and they gave us a hard time in the League Cup, being slightly unfortunate to lose 2-0 in extra time.

CIS kick off

Motherwell are also hitting form at a crucial stage in the season and with back to back victories we moved into the top six of the SPL. St Mirren will be tough but we have already proven we can handle what they can throw at us and if we can go into the game with the right attitude we should confident of progressing.

We will be without Steven Craigan who is suspended after being sent off in the corresponding tie at Rugby Park last season. This gives Terry a choice in defence between Kinniburgh and Quinn. Corrigan may move in to the middle from right back depending on the Terry’s tactics. The other major decision is whether to persist with Kevin McBride or recall Alan McCormack after his suspension. McBride took a long time to look comfortable last Saturday but will only get better as his fitness improves after injury. McCormack definitely provides more dig though and this may persuade Terry to give him the starting place.

We hit a sticky patch last January, possibly because minds were distracted by the CIS semi final. Hopefully the management and players will have learned from this. The Celtic semi final is a big game but this cup tie deserves 110% of our attention and effort. A run in the big cup is vital to our finances and status as a club. Let’s hope the large ‘Well support will not be forced to witness another meek surrender.

Terry should have everyone prepared and although there might be a scary moment or two we’ll progress by 2-0.