McManus: Kids raised their game

Colts boss hoping for senior side

Allan McManus hailed his St Mirren kids after they battled to a 2- 1 victory over Kilmarnock Colts on Tuesday night.

The win booked the Colts’ spot in the second round of the Irn-Bru Cup and McManus insists a few of the youngsters may have caught the eye of first-team boss Alan Stubbs thanks to their impressive performances.

McManus said: “It is fantastic. The performance we were delighted with.

“I thought we controlled the game in the first half and played a lot of good stuff but we probably weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.

“In the second half I felt Kilmarnock were a bit more dogged and made it a bit more difficult for us. We probably had to be a bit more defensive in our game over the second period but all in all I am really delighted.

“I thought the boys defended really well in the second period and I am really pleased we are in the hat for the next round.

“It was a fantastic goal from Cammy MacPherson and he has got that in his locker.

“I am delighted for him and hopefully that helps him catch the gaffer’s eye and get him back in and around the first team.”

And McManus reserved a special mention for first- team players Josh Heaton and Jeff King, who both turned out in the clash having found their opportunities limited in the senior side.

He added: “I was honestly pleased with everything.

“It was our first competitive game of the season for the younger lads which was good.

“I am delighted for the firstteam boys that came in. It was good for Josh Heaton and Jeff – and also Cammy MacPherson and Conor O’Keefe to get some game-time.

“I thought they had a fantastic attitude playing alongside a number of the young ones coming through.”

St Mirren now go into the hat for the second round, with the draw being made this afternoon at Gretna Green.

And McManus revealed he is hopeful of drawing a senior side having faced off against one of their Colt counterparts in the first round.

He said: “I think that is the whole idea behind the competition.

“We have played against a couple of lower league first teams during pre-season and that has been a real test for the boys.

“Hopefully we will draw a senior team in the next round because this is about the boys’ development and their competitive edge if they were to step up to around the first team.”