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my team-mates at the time about that.
“When you have such a big game round the corner, you are always wary of getting injured or getting suspended.
“You don’t want to do anything stupid and run the risk of missing out on a cup final at Hampden.
“Subconsciously, that can play on players’ minds. I’m sure they will have one eye on the final.
“I’m sure the Livingston players will want to make amends for the couple of poor results they have had previously. They will want to go into the final on the back of a good result.
“But, at the same time it will be in the back of their minds that they don’t want to miss out on that game.”
While Goodwin would have loved to have been preparing his side for another shot at League Cup glory next Sunday, he insists his group have already put their disappointing semi- final defeat to the Lions behind them.
And he firmly believes today’s clash means more to
the Buddies with Livingston’s place in the top six all but assured already.
Goodwin said:“It is not about making amends for what happened at Hampden.
“We know we are capable of beating Livingston. We have done that twice already in the league.
“I think the three points are more important to us than Livingston right now.
“I can’t see them dropping out of the top six now.
“It would take a good run from St Johnstone and Dundee United for that to happen.
“I think Livingston are safe, but we are desperate for the three points to open the gap on the teams below us.”
St Mirren know a win this afternoon would give their top six prospects a serious boost with two more home games still to come next week, with Motherwell and Ross County next to visit the SMISA Stadium.
Goodwin feels getting the better of Livingston again would also give them a big psychological boost were the two sides both to make the top half and end up competing for fifth spot.
Goodwin added:“I have spoken on numerous occasions about the strength of character in the group.
“Getting over the line is the hardest part.
“We are close but we still need a couple of wins.
“Even that might not be enough, but I believe if we can reach 41 points it should be enough.
“First and foremost we want to focus on the top six and if we can get that secured then we can make a push after the split to drag Livingston and Aberdeen a little closer.
“If we win we go within a few points of Livingston.
“That would be a big boost psychologically.”