I’ll go toe to toe with bro
Stephen has to win battle of McGinns to complete the Saints’ great escape HIBS v ST MIRREN
STEPHEN McGINN admits there will be no display of brotherly love when he plays like a man possessed to help St Mirren cement their Championship status. Hibs player finally knowing you are out of this league.
“But they are playing against a team that is desperate for a point and it will be a tough one for them and him. I won’t be offering any sort of advice.
“John was complimentary of how St Mirren played the night we beat Hibs 2-0 in March.
“We didn’t want to be cut adrift as Ayr had beaten Raith the night before and we were eight points behind.
“I will almost be like a man possessed in this match and I will have to forget my wee brother is playing.
“I remember there was five minutes to go in the last Hibs game and I heard their manager Neil Lennon shouting at my wee brother. That was the only time it got uncomfortable.
“I could just about hear John responding to a Northern Irish accent!
“John is Hibs’ best player. Playing directly against him I realise I am going to have to stop him having an influence on the game.”
McGinn reckons experience gained by St Mirren youngsters such as Kyle Magennis and Stevie Mallan in high-pressure games this season will prepare them for a lifetime in football.
And he insists February’s 2-0 win over Ayr that prevented them being cut adrift by 11 points was critical.
McGinn said: “St Mirren have been playing must-win games for the last 15 matches.
“It has almost become so natural you actually embrace the pressure. Youngsters like Magennis, who is only 18, has played in something like 15 high pressure and must-win games and came through them all.
“Before I came back I followed St Mirren’s results and would