St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson believes a lot of the criticism which has been levelled at Scottish football recently has been unjust - and admits this weekend's opponents Motherwell are one of the reasons why.

The standard of the game north of the border has come under scrutiny once again after the Old Firm both reiterated their desire to quit the Clydesdale Bank Premier League in favour of English football.

But, as far as MacPherson is concerned, the Scottish game does have its positives, highlighting the number of talented youngsters who are beginning to make the breakthrough.

And he believes you do not have to look any further than Motherwell - who have drawn with both halves of the Old Firm this season - to see that homegrown talent can make a difference.

MacPherson said: "Motherwell have had a lot of plaudits and the younger players, especially, have had a lot of attention and quite rightly so.

"At the moment, Scottish football is getting criticised by all quarters and we sometimes forget there are some really talented youngsters making their way in the game."