Whisper it but Stephen Robinson may have bigger fish to fry than a Premiership clash in Paisley

Stephen Robinson would never say it but don't think it hasn't crossed the St Mirren manager's mind. The Hearts title juggernaut checks into Paisley on Wednesday night looking to at least maintain their eight-point advantage at the top of the Scottish Premiership. While the Buddies boss is desperate to arrest a three-game losing streak, he could be forgiven for looking ahead to Saturday evening. It could prove crucial that both Alex Gogic and Jayden Richardson are both available for the battle against the Steelmen despite receiving red cards against Aberdeen and Dundee United respectively. More importantly Robinson himself, who was sent off after the final whistle against the Dons, is free to prowl the touchline at the national stadium.

A Premier Sports Cup semi final against his former side Motherwell represents an opportunity to return to Hampden for a final in December against either Celtic or Rangers

Saints have been involved in two penalty situations to get to this stage but the Paisley side won't want to put their fans through that again. Jens Berthel Askou's side will also fancy their chances of making it to the showpiece occasion after being widely praised for their style of play since the start of the season. They take on Dundee United tonight but again subconsciously the focus might switch to the weekend. Let's just hope it's more entertaining than the scoreless draw on the opening day of the campaign.