MY SAINT FOR LOST CAUSES
Boss hails Jon for late rescue act
Jim Goodwin hailed supersub Jon Obika after he powered home a late header to fire 10- man St Mirren through to the last 16 as group winners.
Obika was one of the Buddies stars struck down by Covid during the Paisley club’s virus crisis.
He blasted back with two goals in four days to seal a spot in the knockout stages and saved Joe Shaughnessy after the skipper saw red for the second time this season for an elbow on Michael Doyle after 49 minutes.
Goodwin, who will look to appeal Shaughnessy’s red card, said: “Jon was one of the lads who caught Covid. It knocked him for six. Some guys are more affected by it than others.
“Jon was one we had to be really careful with but you can see how valuable he is. He comes off the bench and is a real handful.
“I’m delighted for him. He has been a big player for us for the last 18 months and long may that continue.”
Goodwin could have been forgiven for getting sentimental since it was his first League Cup involvement at Hampden since lifting the trophy for the Buddies in 2013.
There were few echoes of that momentous occasion in a subdued 90 minutes at an empty national stadium. The key moment arrived eight minutes from time when Obika, who came off the bench in 55 minutes, powered home a Kyle McAllister cross for his fifth of the season.
Goodwin added: “You fear the worst when the big man gets sent off.
“I have to say at the time I have seen why the ref has come to that decision but when I watch it back there’s no intention from Joe.
“He doesn’t swing his elbow, it’s not a pointed elbow. I will speak to Tony Fitzpatrick and hopefully we can launch an appeal.”
Queen’s boss Ray McKinnon said: “It’s a good learning curve and I’m delighted with our attitude and the way we played.”