Results against Old Firm give Gannon good vibes

MOTHERWELL manager Jim Gannon hopes his side's second Clydesdale Bank Premier League point against the Old Firm can again give them a lift when they face St Mirren tomorrow.

Gannon is well aware that Motherwell, who secured a goalless draw at Celtic Park last weekend, followed up their point against Rangers last month with an impressive victory at Dundee United.

He has also been boosted by the return to training of Shaun Hutchinson and Jim O'Brien ahead of the SPL clash against St Mirren, who they play in the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-finals three days later.

"We got a creditable draw against Rangers and went on to get a fantastic win in Dundee," Gannon said. "So I know on the back of getting a draw against the Old Firm we can build on that, and St Mirren will be as tough a game as Dundee United away. I think the next two games are going to be critical for us in enjoying the remainder of this year."

Victory at Tannadice aside, the two draws against the Old Firm are the clearest evidence of how well Gannon has organised his young players since taking over this summer.

"It shows we're respectable and competitive, shows we have a good work ethic and good shape, which makes us difficult to break down," Gannon said.