Gus tells troops to enjoy Easter Road experience

Jan 30 2010 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN stars can expect a hot reception at Easter Road this afternoon – but manager Gus MacPherson reckons his players will be able to keep their cool as they bid to topple high-flying Hibernian.

MacPherson knows today’s opponents will be buzzing following their surprise 2-1 victory over Celtic at Parkhead in midweek.

And he believes the Buddies will have to deal with a red hot atmosphere at Easter Road if they are to come away from the capital with a win.

But the Saints gaffer is quick to point out that his players have acquitted themselves well against the Hibees on two previous occasions this season – and he expects them to do the same again this afternoon.

MacPherson said: “It’s never easy to go to Easter Road.

“But it’s a fantastic arena to play your football in and the players will look forward to it.

“We were there on the opening day of the season, which was Yogi Hughes’ first game in charge there, and it was a terrific occasion.

“We had to play for about 70 minutes with 10 men after Steven Thomson was sent off but we were in the game right up until they scored a winner late on.

“We also gave them a good game at home and, if we can get back to that standard of performance, then hopefully we can do well.”

MacPherson has identified former Celtic star Liam Miller as one of the main threats to his side’s chances of SPL points this afternoon.

He said: “For me, Liam Miller has been the signing of the transfer window.

“Yogi made a tremendous signing by bringing in a player of that quality as he is someone who has played at the highest level.

“They have so many attacking options and you only have to look at Derek Riordan and Anthony Stokes to see that.

“Hibs are playing with a lot of confidence and they will have added to that after such a result and performance at Parkhead on Wednesday.”