No hangover from cup exit, vows MacPherson

May 2 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES boss Gus MacPherson is confident his players can put the disappointment of last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat behind them today when they take on Inverness Caley Thistle.

The Saints squad were left licking their wounds a week ago as Rangers defeated them 3-0 at Hampden.

But MacPherson, right, believes his players will be in a positive mood as they return to SPL action this afternoon.

He said: “We have to put the disappointment of the semi-final behind us and build on the three points we got at Motherwell the week before.”

MacPherson is expecting a tough game against the Highlanders – who are currently two points behind the Buddies in the SPL table – and has warned that his opponents have just as much to play for as his own side.

“There’s an incentive for us this weekend but, likewise, there is an incentive for Inverness to go above us in the table,” he said. “They won the most recent game between us up at Inverness, so we know it’s going to be tough.”

The Buddies are still searching for their first SPL win at St Mirren Park since the new stadium opened in January.

And, with Inverness Caley Thistle showing improved form on their travels, MacPherson believes that home advantage only gives his Saints players a marginal edge this afternoon.

He said: “Home advantage is something that everybody talks about but it’s only a slight advantage. Look at the results Inverness have had, especially away from home and most notably at Ibrox.

“They also came close to getting a result at Tynecastle, so that tells you something about how they are performing.

“Inverness have had good performances away from home, so it’s going to be tight.”