Brewster: I couldn't take skipper for granted

Sep 14 2008 By Alasdair Fraser

INVERNESS boss Brewster defended his decision to leave skipper Grant Munro sidelined after returning to fitness.

The powerful centre-half was benched while Jamie Duff continued to partner Phil McGuire in the 2-1 defeat to Saints.

Caley's home form has been a blot on an otherwise decent start to the season so far but Brew was unrepentant after leaving the experienced stopper out.

He said: "Grant has been out for five weeks since the Aberdeen match. Yes, we've only played three games since but I felt I'd keep faith in the guys who have done really well.

"Grant will play another reserve game in midweek and get match sharpness."

But Brewster admitted defensive slackness cost his team on a day when he felt Saints were there for the beating.

He said: "It was a frustrating day. We got the bonus of a penalty then in the second half we come out and Adam Rooney hits the bar.

"It wouldn't fall for us in the penalty area. I don't know how many times they got off the hook but they didn't trouble us too much.

"We didn't deal with a long ball down the middle and Billy Mehmet finished well and then the second goal was disappointing from our point of view.

"Both goals were avoidable and it's frustrating that St Mirren otherwise didn't create too much."

MATCH STATS

Shots on 6

Shots off 5

Offside 1

Fouls 15

Corners 3

Bookings 1

Shots on 2

Shots off 2

Offside 4

Fouls 19

Corners 4

Bookings 1