Lennon expects stern test against County

Danny Lennon has warned his St Mirren players that they will have to be at their very best if they are to progress past Ross County and reach the last eight of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Saints host the Irn-Bru Scottish Division One leaders tomorrow and with County currently 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, Lennon is expecting a difficult afternoon.

The Victoria Park side’s last defeat came in the Co-operative Insurance Cup when they were beaten 2-0 by Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders Celtic.

“We recognise the threat they pose to our cup aspirations, but we are ready for that challenge and it should be an exciting match,” said Lennon. “We will have to be at our very best to ensure we reach the next round.

“I have said to my players there is nothing wrong with dreaming if it inspires you to do better. I would love to win the Scottish Cup with St Mirren and would love to see my players get their hands on the trophy.

“It was only two seasons ago that Ross County reached the Scottish Cup final, defeating Celtic on the way. For me they look the most likely team to be promoted from the First Division, they have a five-point lead and two games in hand.”

Lennon was pleased he was able to keep his squad together during the transfer window.

St Mirren were also the only team in Scotland to spend money on a player, signing Dougie Imrie from Hamilton for £35,000.

“We were delighted to go unscathed and in the signing of Dougie Imrie during the window.

“It shows how difficult things are out there just now, and not just in football, that we were the only team to spend money during January.”

St Mirren will welcome back their captain Jim Goodwin for tomorrow’s match after an eight-week spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.

Lennon is delighted at the influential midfielder’s return and hopes he can inspire the team to a place in the top half of the SPL table.

Lennon said: “Even today at training to get him back amongst things was great. When Jim is there, you know he is there as he is very vocal in the way he goes about his business so it’s a massive lift for everyone.

“Recently results have been a little disappointing but we are still very much competing along with four other sides for a place in the top six.”

Lennon will make a late decision on the fitness of Graham Carey, who has not trained all week after picking up a knock in last weekend’s meeting with Inverness.

Kenny McLean (collarbone) and Darren McGregor (knee) remain sidelined.