ST MIRREN manager Gus MacPherson admits it would be special if his side could emerge victorious from the last Scottish Cup tie to be played at Love Street.
The Paisley side will quit their existing home at the end of this campaign, meaning tonight's quarter-final replay against St Johnstone is a little piece of history.
When the 2008-09 season begins St Mirren will be at a new home, which is well un
der construction, at Greenhill Road in the Ferguslie Park area of the town.
MacPherson said: "It will be the last tie, there is no doubt about that. And it will add something extra to the game for that reason. But we want to win the game anyway, although of course it would be nice for our Scottish Cup record here."
MacPherson insists his side have only a "slight" advantage over their rival Saints following a closely-fought 1-1 in the first match a fortnight ago at McDiarmid Park.
It took a precious late goal from midfielder Andy Dorman to enable the Buddies to stay in the competition.
But despite the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League side now enjoying home advantage over their First Division rivals, MacPherson is still expecting a tight cup battle.
He said: "We knew it would be tough going into the first match and just because we are now at home doesn't mean to say it still won't be a tough game. They have a lot of players with SPL experience and we are aware of that."
Defender John Potter was taken off unconscious following a head knock early on in the 1-1 league draw with Hearts on Saturday, and MacPherson admits he is a doubt . Fellow defender Haining has responded well to treatment for back spasms.
St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes also believes there is little to choose between the teams.
"It is a great opportunity for us," he said. "On any given day I don't think there is a lot between the sides.
"The first tie proved that. I think it was harsh on us not to get through that day. St Mirren are the SPL team and we will give them respect but I still feel we are capable of going through."
Victory will secure a tie with Rangers or Partick Thistle in what would be a third semi-final in two seasons for St Johnstone, who beat four SPL teams last term.
The full article contains 414 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
