ST MIRREN manager Gus MacPherson tried to sign Jim McIntyre last year to benefit from his experience, so he knows the Dunfermline manager will have his players well prepared for their Co-operative Insurance Cup clash tonight.
The Paisley club did not have the financial muscle to prise McIntyre away from East End Park in 2007 and the former Dundee United forward later took over from Stephen Kenny when the Irishman was sacked as manager last season.
After steadying the s
hip following Dunfermline's poor start to their first season back in the Irn-Bru First Division last term, McIntyre has them fourth in the table this time around, despite injury problems.
MacPherson expects the nous of his former Kilmarnock team-mate and the quality of Dunfermline's squad to make it a tough night for his players.
"We tried to bring Jim in at the start of last season, we were looking for an experienced striker to come in and help with the younger players," the St Mirren manager said. "But financially we couldn't compete with Dunfermline. Knowing him from the time I played with him, he has a lot of knowledge and experience and he is now passing that on."
Calum Woods returns for Dunfermline after suspension kept him out of Saturday's 3-1 win over Ross County. On-loan Hibs striker Ross Campbell is available for Dunfermline after a 15 minute substitute appearance against Ross County.
The full article contains 244 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
