Scott is happy to clean up

Aug 17 2008

SCOTT CUTHBERT was delighted to keep a clean sheet on his SPL debut but can't wait for the day he makes his mark at Celtic.

The 20-year-old defender joined St Mirren from Parkhead in midweek on a year's loan deal and impressed in the 0-0 draw with Kilmarnock.

Cuthbert looked quick and solid throughout, keeping the likes of David Fernandez and Conor Sammon at bay.

He was delighted to finally sample competitive action after years in Celtic's reserves but Scott insists he would love to return and push for a place in Gordon Strachan's side.

Asked whether his heart sank when he heard Dutch defender Glenn Loovens had signed for the champions for £2.5 million. Cuthbert said: "No, not really.

Celtic are a big club and they're always going to do that.

"Eventually I'd like to go back there and try to get in the team.

I'm sure the manager will be keeping an eye on me and hopefully I can impress him.

"I was just pleased to get out there and play. You quickly feel the difference in pace as reserve football is far more relaxed.

"I thought I did OK against a good player in Fernandez who I know from when he was at Celtic. There are not many players like him in the SPL.

"It's mostly big guys you come up against but David likes the ball to feet and can turn you at any time."

Saints boss Gus MacPherson was relatively happy with a share of the spoils and also with Cuthbert's first outing.

He said: "A draw was a fair result but a true reflection would have had goals in it.

"There were a lot of chances and good attacking play but we just didn't take advantage of them. Scott's a quick defender and weneeded that pace."