St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson has sympathised with Buddies fans over the timing of their rescheduled fixture against Rangers.The SPL game - postponed in November at the request of then-Scotland boss Alex McLeish as he prepared for the Euro 2008 clash with Italy - has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 8.

The midweek date immediately after the busy festive period means Saints will play six games in 17 days, starting with Saturday's visit of Kilmarnock.

Rangers have an even more hectic schedule with eight matches scheduled for January following three in the final stages of this month.

And MacPherson believes too much is being expected from supporters at an expensive time of the year.

"We got a game called off as we were trying to help the national team in their attempts to qualify for Euro 2008, with the SPL only postponing two games - those involving the Old Firm sides," MacPherson told the club's official website.

"Now we find that our supporters have been punished, as in the middle of a tough programme of games for them financially they are being asked to stump up for another game.

"I appreciate that there aren't many available slots due to Rangers' involvement in the UEFA Cup and that they will play the following midweek against Gretna.

"But there has been no thought given for the St Mirren supporters at a time of year when finances are tight."

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