League Cup woe a motivation tool for Goodwin

ST MIRREN skipper Jim Goodwin is desperate to type a Hampden appearance on to his CV – and is still haunted by the shock defeat to Ayr United which scuppered his chances of that career high earlier in the season.

In October, Saints were denied a Scottish Communities League Cup semi-final appearance at the national stadium against Kilmarnock when they lost 1-0 at home to the Irn-Bru First Division side.

The Buddies have the chance to make amends when they take on Hearts in the William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final at Tynecastle at lunchtime today and no-one is keener to get through to set up a trip to Hampden than 30-year-old midfielder Goodwin.

“I really feel there was a huge missed opportunity here against Ayr United,” said the former Huddersfield and Hamilton player. “I think about it every now and again and it still hurts.

“We could have beaten Kilmarnock and had a cup final to look forward to next week. I think we all remember that and are all aware of that.

“We will be using that disappointment as a motivation tool for this weekend and hopefully this time progress to the semi-final at Hampden.

“These are the days that we look forward to in our career, the opportunity to play at Hampden.

“I have never experienced it. I have been there to watch a couple of Scotland games and cup finals in the past but I have never played there.

“For me, as captain, to lead the boys out will be sensational. I think it will be a great feeling. So it is another great opportunity for everyone at the club and we will do everything we can to do that.”