THE SCOUT REPORT
Express sports reporter Ben Ramage takes a look at Saints’ opponents this evening as they welcome Inverness Caley Thistle to Paisley in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.
Form
Having endured a difficult start to their Championship campaign, the Highland side’s form has drastically improved in recent weeks.
Four wins and a draw in their last five domestic fixtures has seen them push up to fourth in the table, giving them a serious shot at finishing in a coveted play-off spot.
In the Scottish Cup they’ve also impressed, toppling Premiership side and fierce rivals Ross County 3-1 in Dingwall - a result that should ensure Jim Goodwin’s side don’t take the Caley Jags lightly tonight.
Manager
With John Robertson currently on compassionate leave, it’s fallen to Neil McCann to take hold of the reins on a temporary basis.
The former Dundee boss experienced a fairly turbulent start but has since got the Caledonian Stadium side flying thanks to some impressive results both home and away.
That includes 1-0 wins on the road against Raith and Dunfermline, both rivals for a Premiership play-off spot.
Star player
Striker Nikolay Todorov has been seriously impressing for the Caley Jags in recent weeks.
The powerful Bulgarian forward is on something of a hot streak, having bagged five goals in his last four games taking his total to ten for the season in all competitions.
YoungstersDaniel MacKay and Hibs loanee Scott Allan also have the talent to pose the St Mirren defence problems.
Last time the sides met
The two teams last did battle in the Highlands towards the end of the Championship season in March 2018.
And it was St Mirren who were left cursing their former keeper Mark Ridgers as the Caley Thistle number one produced a goalkeeping masterclass to deny the Buddies the points.
Saints could only blame themselves as they blew a 2- 0 lead with just 20 minutes remaining of what had proved an otherwise straightforward afternoon.
Harry Davis and Lewis Morgan had the title stick-ons looking a certainty for another three points but a Gary Warren header and Liam Polworth’s free-kick late on snatched back a point.
St Mirren found themselves having to rely on Livingston dropping points against Dunfermline the following Tuesday night, or against Morton on Saturday, if they were to be able to win the league at Brechin.
Then St Mirren boss Jack Ross said: “When you come away to a venue like Inverness and their goalkeeper is awarded man of the match then it says a lot about your performance. We are frustrated that we did not win but that’s a point closer to us winning the league.”