Goodwin calls on makeshift defence to stand tall

JIM Goodwin has called on his make-sh ift St Mirren defence to stand tall as they prepare for Livingston’s aerial bombardment tomorrow.

The Buddies boss was forced to play right-back Paul McGinn at the heart of his backline during last week’s win at Hamilton after centre-halves Kirk Broadfoot and Gary MacKenzie were both ruled out.

But Goodwin fears McGinn and midfielder Sam Foley could become the latest additions to his casualty list after complaining of tight hamstrings.

That news has come at the worst possible time for the Paisley side as they prepare to take on Gary Holt’s Lions.

However, Goodwin has no doubt his understudies will hit the heights required as they look to win back-to-back Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures for the first time this season.

The Irishman said: “We’ve got a few injuries at the moment which is, obviously, a concern.

“We had a bit of a make-shift back four last week against Hamilton and one of them, Paul McGinn went off injured late on.

“So he is a doubt for the weekend along with Sam Foley, while Gary MacKenzie and Kirk Broadfoot are both definitely out.

“We’ve had a really busy couple of weeks where we’ve played five games in such a tight period and unfortunately it’s taken its toll on the squad.

“The main concern with this particular game is knowing the way Livingston go about things with their physicality, the long throws and the set-pieces.

“Everything is fired into your box.

“Players may have to play out of position but we know they will give their all.”

Peter Pawlett remains out injured.