McGrath holds his nerve once again from the spot
Cometh the moment, cometh the McGrath.
With the game heading for yet another stalemate, St Mirren were looking for a hero on Saturday afternoon as the clock ticked down towards a goalless draw that would leave their top-six hopes much more in the lap of the gods.
When referee Greg Aitken pointed to the spot late on, all eyes immediately switched to the Buddies playmaker.
The Irish midfielder had already made a superheroesque early return to the Saints after a dislocated shoulder threatened to curtail his phenomenal season.
It takes more than a sore joint to keep McGrath out of action though, with the 24-year-old battling through the pain barrier against Motherwell in midweek to earn a draw before Saturday’s pivotal moment against Ross County.
Such is the former Dundalk man’s skill from the spot, celebratory tweets about him calmly finding the back of the net were already being typed before he stepped up to slot past Ross Laidlaw.
McGrath’s sixth successful penalty this season took his total tally into double figures, with eight Premiership games still remaining.
It’s hard to put into words just how pivotal the playmaker is to Jim Goodwin’s side.
His goals have been absolutely crucial to the Buddies’top half push, and their impressive run to the League Cup semi-finals.
His determination and grit also drive the standards up of his teammates around him.
That’s why it’s no surprise to see his return to action serve as a huge boost to the club’s top six hopes, with his latest winner putting the Paisley club on the crest of history.