Wrexham will be a different animal
Jim’s warning to Colts side
St Mirren’s youngsters face a “big step” up when they head to Wales next month according to first-team boss Jim Goodwin.
However, he knows his kids won’t flinch at the prospect of meeting Wrexham head on in the Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup after seeing off the likes of Stirling Albion, Dumbarton and East Kilbride without conceding a goal.
The young team have been rewarded for their sterling efforts with a trip to the Racecourse Ground in the fourth round after defeating Stirling 1-0 in Paisley on Saturday.
“It will be another tough test,” Goodwin said following yesterday’s draw.
“They are a good side. I actually played against them when they were in League One many years ago.
“They have a good setup and a team challenging at the right end.
“It will be a big step up in terms of what they’ve faced up to now.”
So far St Mirren are the only Colts team to reach the last 16, however, Rangers could join them if they get passed Northern Irish outfit Ballymena next week.
The Buddies were joined in the hat with the likes of Raith Rovers, Partick Thistle and Killmarnock’s Europa League conquerors Connah’s Quay Nomads.
The tie with National League Wrexham, who needed a penalty shootout to overcome Ayr United following a 1-1 draw, will be played next month.
Goodwin took in Saturday’s victory over Stirling and was delighted with his young Renfrewshire-based starlets.
“It was great,” he continued. “They defended brilliantly.
“They have had a very tough run of it. They played against East Kilbride who are a good Lowland League team, Dumbarton who are sitting second in League One and Stirling Albion, who have some very experienced players. So, it’s been great experience for the kids.
“We also had a couple of overaged players playing in Cammy MacPherson and Dean Lyness, who were outstanding on the day. Cammy got the goal and Deano made two or three fantastic saves.
“It was great to see them stand up to a good test. We need to do better with the ball but that will come with experience and they’ll take great confidence from it.”
And after 450 loyal Buddies fans turned up on Saturday to support the Colts, the manager hopes a few of them will fancy a trip to Wales to take in next month’s tie.
“It’s fantastic for the boys and a good away day for the fans,” he said.
“Hopefully they will get behind the young boys and travel in good numbers.”