SCOTTISH LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINALS:ST JOHNSTONE manager Derek McInnes will plunge new signing Mark Connolly straight into his squad for tonight's League Cup semi-final with Rangers.
The 18-year-old Republic of Ireland underage international, recruited on loan from Bolton, joins a strong pool for the trip to Hampden, with stand-in captain Jody Morris expected to be passed fit to play after a pelvic problem.
Kenny Deuchar, the matchwinner in Saturday’s morale-boosting victory over Hearts, has a back and hip problem, and midfielder Chris Millar has a slight groin injury but both should be available.
Rangers manager Walter Smith still has several players unavailable for the game. Kenny Miller, DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu are all still out of action and will not play a part in the clash at Hampden.
Kris Boyd is continuing his recovery from a hernia operation but is expected to be fit enough to take part in practice matches next week with a view to returning to action later this month.
In last night’s first League Cup semi-final, Billy Mehmet sent St Mirren into their first major final for 23 years as his stunning strike secured a deserved victory over Hearts at Fir Park.
The striker netted his seventh goal of the tournament in the 52nd minute when he curled into the top corner from 25 yards.
