Gus MacPherson is delighted with St Mirren's style of football this term - despite them sitting second-bottom of the Scotish Premier League.The Paisley outfit have the same number of points as Kilmarnock but could climb above them if they do not lose both of their two games in hand.

It has been widely acknowledged they are playing a more attractive and creative brand of football than in their first year in the top flight.

And when asked why there has been such a turnaround in style, Buddies boss MacPherson replied: "We've told them to go out and play that way, simple as that. We want them to go out and enjoy their football.

"We're creating more chances now and the players are expressing themselves and we are very happy about that."

Saints are preparing to face St Johnstone in Tuesday night's Scottish Cup quarter-final replay at Love Street and MacPherson is hoping for a good game.

The original tie was not a great spectacle and ended in a poor 1-1 draw.

But MacPherson said: "In the game at Perth, we didn't start particularly well and that was down to S Johnstone as well as the conditions.

"But we will raise our game and I know we have what it takes to get through to the semi-finals.

MacPherson also dismissed there was any extra pressure on his side because they are expected to see off their First Division opponents.

And he insists it will be just another game when he and his players go out and do their best to win.

He added: "At the end of the day, the only real pressure is the pressure you put on yourself as a player or a manager to try and win the game.

"If you are playing in the SPL, playing in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup and your club is getting stronger, then if that's pressure - bring it on."

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