Steven Thomson named as key to St Mirren fight

Oct 15 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

BUDDIES boss Gus MacPherson yesterday hailed midfield general Steven Thomson as a key man in St Mirren’s battle to march up the SPL table.

The former Falkirk skipper will return to his old club on Saturday hoping for a Saints win.

Thomson had a difficult start to the season after he was sent off against Hibs at Easter Road just 12 minutes into the SPL campaign.

But, after sitting out a one-game ban against Dundee United, he has gone on to establish himself as one of St Mirren’s star performers.

And he bagged his first goal of the season in the Paisley club’s last SPL match as the Buddies ended their home hoodoo by beating Hearts 2-1.

The Saints faithful have warmed to Thomson and MacPherson believes that’s all down to the former Brighton man’s positive attitude.

“That’s the type of player Stevie is,” MacPherson told Express Sports. “He’s a combative midfield player but he doesn’t always get the recognition other players do.

“We’ve asked him to play in a number of positions, including in a wider role which he’s probably not best suited to, but he just gets on with it as he’s a good pro.

“You see that professionalism, whether it be in training or in games.

“The other players in the team look to Stevie and he is a good example for them to follow.”

Thomson moved back north of the border last January after deciding to quit English League One outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.

It can be difficult for players to blend into a team when they join mid-season but MacPherson reckons Thomson has settled in well.

“He came in last January and has been excellent for us,” said the Saints gaffer. “To come in during that mid-season transfer window is a difficult period for any player as you are starting afresh while everyone in the team is already up and running.

“But Stevie is a fantastic professional and the other players have been receptive to that.”

Saints travel through to Falkirk on Saturday hoping to build on a promising start to the campaign. They have eight points on the board from seven games and will be looking to get another win as they chase Aberdeen, who sit two points above them.

The Buddies should have Lee Mair fit and healthy again after he picked up a painful rib knock in the win over Hearts but injured trio Mo Camara, Steven Robb and Michael Higdon are unlikely to feature.