BY KYLE GUNN

St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin has had his worst fears realised after it was confirmed that Ryan Flynn would miss the rest of the season. 

The versatile midfielder, who had been starring at right-back over the last 10 games, suffered cruciate ligament damage in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw against Hamilton in Paisley.

Goodwin was left cursing his luck as it comes just weeks after midfielder Kyle Magennis had his campaign prematurely brought to a close with a similar injury.

He said: “Ryan will be out for six months and that’s a bitter blow as he has been outstanding for us. He did well in midfield for us and he has moved to right-back due to injuries and he has been immense.

"He has been one of our most consistent players. He is a big loss for us. We had hoped it would be a medial injury but it is a cruciate. 

“After it happened to Kyle Magennis we hoped it wouldn’t be a similar injury -it is horrendous for us. As a manager I try and take the business side out of it and look at it from the players’ perspective. You are disappointed for them that they will be out for the rest of the season.

READ MORE: Sam Foley admits St Mirren rode their luck against Hamilton

"They are two big players who have been doing so well for us. You don’t want these injuries to happen to anyone never mind two of your players. They will have each other in the recovery and that might help keep both their spirits up.

"From our point of view we have lost two key members of the squad. We brought in Lee Hodson and he will slot in to Ryan’s position.” 

Ahead of their William Hill Scottish Cup last 16 tie against Motherwell this afternoon, Goodwin has singled out academy graduate Cammy MacPherson as the potential difference maker. 

Goodwin played alongside the likes of Kenny McLean and John McGinn at St Mirren and reckons that Cammy MacPherson could be every bit as good as the now English top flight stars.

The 38-year-old former midfielder knows his side are two just games away from the prospect of a date at the national stadium and he can’t take that knowledge away from players.

He continued: “I knew Cammy from my time as a player here. He trained with us from time to time and he was always one I liked. He has great ability but as a character he isn’t shy and the last thing you want is academy boys to be timid.

"Cammy is a great lad to have around the place and he and Danny Mullen carry on all the time which is great. In terms of his football ability he is top drawer and he has everything.

"John McGinn, Kenny McLean moved on, Kyle Magennis grabs a lot of headlines but for me Cammy is just as good as those guys. We are lucky to have him.

"He needed a run of games in his position and that’s something he hasn’t had in previous years so I am delighted to give him that opportunity. He will have dips in his performance as he is a young lad but he knows he will be involved in the team. If he makes a few bad passes he won’t be out or anything, I don’t work like that. I want to give him confidence. He has a bit of everything and that’s what you need as a modern day midfielder.

"He will only get better the more game time he gets and he is already a big player for us."

Looking ahead to this afternoon's match, Goodwin insists a Hampden showdown is all the motivation his side needs.

He added: "I still get a buzz from the Scottish Cup. It is a change from the league and a chance for us to get into a quarter-final. It is a great game for both clubs and it will be a great atmosphere inside the stadium.

READ MORE: Jim Goodwin urges his St Mirren side to turn draws into wins

"Both teams will think they can get through to the next round. We are looking forward to it. Motherwell have been great in the game against us this season so we are looking to give a better account of ourselves if we want to get through.

“The motivation to get to Hampden is there for the leads. You can’t think too far ahead and out with the Old Firm this is as tough a tie as we could have got. They are a good team with plenty of quality. The boy Chris Long is a danger and has an eye for goal.

"They have added Tony Watt as well so we know how difficult it is. James Scott going to Hull is good news for us as he always seemed to enjoy playing against us.”

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