New signing Dougie Imrie admits Saints need to find cutting edge in front of goal

DOUGIE Imrie insists St Mirren must start turning chances into goals if they are to have any hope of a top-six finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Imrie joined Saints from Hamilton last month and has been impressed at the attacking threat of his new club. But he admits they need to find a killer touch in front of goal.

Ahead of today’s meeting with Motherwell at New St Mirren Park, manager Danny Lennon’s side are two points behind sixth-placed Aberdeen.

“In the two games I have played so far we have created numerous chances and not been able to take them.

“It’s really important that we can start to convert these chances into goals,” said Imrie.

“A place in the top-six is what we are all looking to achieve and, although we haven’t been picking up points recently, we are still very much in the race.

“You only need to look at Aberdeen who started off the season poorly and now sit in sixth place. What we need is a run of consistency.

“Motherwell are a very good team and have been having a great season. It will be a tough game on Saturday but, if we play as we can, then we have a good chance.”

St Mirren were the only club in Scotland to spend money on a permanent transfer during the January transfer window when they secured the signing of Imrie for £35,000.

The 28-year-old has taken little time to settle into his new surroundings after two Scottish Cup games against his new employers with Hamilton.

“I knew what the club was about after playing against them twice in a short period of time with Hamilton,” he said.

“They gave us a very difficult time over the two games and eventually went on to the next round.

“I have settled in really quickly and that’s down to the fact there is a great bunch of lads at the club.

“Before I joined, the manager sat down and explained what he wanted from me and how he saw the club progressing, so I am very pleased to be at the club and to be playing my part.”

Motherwell go into the match aiming for a fourth-successive victory. Midfielder Keith Lasley said: “It’s been a good period for us and I think we’re getting back to where we were earlier in the season in terms of our performances. Hopefully we can carry it on.

“Going through a season, there are always going to be times when you don’t pick up results or play as well as you want to.

“We have had that period and hopefully we can move forward again.”

Motherwell are boosted by the return of skipper Stephen Craigan. The defender has served a two-match suspension and could be in the contention for the visit to Paisley.

Defender Steven Saunders (Achilles) remains out, while reserve goalkeeper Lee Hollis is still sidelined with a hip injury.

Provisional Motherwell squad: Randolph, Clancy, Hammell, Hutchinson, Jennings, Daley, Law, Lasley, Hateley, Murphy, Humphrey, Ojamaa, Forbes, McHugh, Page, Lawless, Carswell, Bradley, Craigan.