St Mirren star Jamie McGrath is expected to miss this weekend’s clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park – but the Irishman has reason to smile after he was named in his country’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualfiers.
McGrath has been out of action since suffering a hip injury against Rangers a few weeks ago and Goodwin has previously been hopeful that his compatriot would have been fit for the trip to Perth.
The midfielder has already made five appearances for his country since winning his first cap earlier this year and will be hoping he’s fit to get a couple more when the Republic face Portugal and Luxembourg later this month.
Ethan Erahon also looks set to miss out on the Premiership clash with St Johnstone after also being forced onto the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
Buddies boss Jim Goodwin is hoping to see his side bounce back after losing to Dundee last weekend and wants his side to get the first goal to avoid a repeat of the Dundee game.
“We did well in terms of possession, we had well over 60 per cent of the ball against Dundee, unfortunately we didn’t create any real clear-cut chances,”Goodwin said.
“We are looking to bounce back this weekend against a very good St Johnstone team.
“I think the first goal in our league, it (Dundee) just showed the importance of that.
“St Johnstone are quite similar to Dundee really, if they get their noses in front they are very good at shutting up shop and getting bodies behind the ball and making life difficult for you.
“Dundee, once they got that goal advantage, were able to sit off the game and they sat there with 10/11 behind the ball for the majority of it.”
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