Andy's Running All Over Buddies

Feb 10 2008 By Euan Mclean

Dorman Puts Pals In Shade Dundee Utd V St Mirren Wednesday, Kick-Off 7.45pm Live Sky Sports 1

ST MIRREN keeper Chris Smith knew superfit Andy Dorman would breathe new life into the Buddies midfield when he left the rest for dead on his first day of training.

Dorman hadn't played for two months after leaving MLS side New England Revolution at the end of the American season.

So when the midfield ace won the sprints in his first training session at Love Street, Smith knew he'd bring a drive he hopes will push the Paisley side into the next round of the Scottish Cup in Wednesday's replay against Dundee United. Chris said: "Big Andy looked like he had been playing in the SPL all his days. He seems well suited to it.

"He's amazingly fit for a guy who hadn't kicked a ball in anger for a couple of months.

"Footballers have to keep fit and he has looked after himself following the end of the US season.

"That has paid off for him in the past few games when he has looked really sharp.

"Andy is quick and you can't have too many like that. Hopefully he'll keep producing.

"He has added something to our midfield. Andy is good at breaking forward with the ball and supporting the strikers - maybe that's something we lacked a wee bit previously."

Smith reckons Buddies have also improved since the return to fitness of Craig Dargo.

The start of his Love Street career was wrecked by a knee injury picked up in a pre-season friendly just after his summer signing from Inverness.

Striker Dargo is still waiting for his first goal and Smith reckons this replay would be the perfect stage for him to open his account after a frustrating first game when they battered United for 90 minutes without breaking the deadlock.

He said: "Craig and Andy have made a big difference in the past few weeks. They couldn't have arrived at a better time.

"They've given us all a lift and we are playing better football. They are bringing other guys into play and bringing out the best in the rest of us.

The other boys are taking a little more responsibility.

"We played well against United first time round and were disappointed not to take at least one chance.

"We'll need to do that in the replay. We're capable of going up there and making sure we press home our advantage this time."