Jack Ross hopes Irn-Bru Cup can be tonic for poor form

St Mirren manager Joack Ross is looking for a win when his side take on Ayr United in the Irn-Bru Cup quarter final. Picture: Michael Gillen

The Paisley side produced the display of the last round when they defeated Hibs at Easter Road just after Alex Rae was sacked. It was a rare moment of happiness in their season.

Jack said: “This game is an opportunity to give our supporters a reward for backing us in the positive manner they have recently. We are at home and it would be nice to give the fans something to cheer.”

“We need to show that we can win games. Winning this one gives us a semi-final to look forward to as well as a platform to build on for changing things around in the Championship.”

Ayr boss Ian McCall reckons the hosts will be viewing the Irn-Bru Cup differently these days: “A few years ago St Mirren did not have to pay any attention to this competition but now it has become very important to them as a win could get things going under Jack.”

Livingston will need to beat a side looking to copy Ajax and East Kilbride by stringing together a record number of wins if they are to progress to the semi-final stage this afternoon.

The Lions face Welsh club, The New Saints, who are closing in on Ajax’s 26-game winning run that was bettered by the Lowland League outfit last weekend.