ST MIRREN manager Gus MacPherson has encountered mixed fortunes in the Renfrew-shire Cup against Morton But he insists it's an excellent fixture to help prepare players for the start of a new season.

The Paisley manager knows both sets of supporters love to win bragging rights by coming out on top in the encounter, however, he reckons both he and Ton manager Davie Irons will be winners regardless of the outcome.

"It's a derby and of course it would be nice to win it," he said. "But I've always said I'd rather lose every pre-season friendly if we get off to a great start in the league.

"The supporters want to win it and I can understand that, and we will certainly try to do that. Since I've been at St Mirren we've won a few and lost a few but as far as a pre-season friendly is concerned it's an excellent fixture.

"There is always a good tempo to the game, a good competitive edge. You don't want to pick up injuries or suspensions from the game, but it is a good workout."

St Mirren played a couple of friendlies during the week against Dumbarton and Stirling Albion and Mac added: "We've mixed the team up for the couple of games and we'll make changes at the weekend as well.

"But the Dumbarton and Albion games were good and we've tried to get all the players as much game time as possible. So that was beneficial as if you only play one game it can be difficult trying to accommodate everyone.

"Now its on to Morton and you hope to see an improvement in the fitness levels and match sharpness with every passing game. If you see that and the guys are working hard then that is good from my point of view."

Saints enjoyed training with the sun on their backs in Italy last week and Gus appreciates being able to take his team abroad.

"The facilities in Italy were first class," he said. "We worked the players hard and got a good response from them.

"It's always nice to get away as a group. I feel it helps create a bond within them. If there are any new players it allows them to get to know the rest of the guys. If you are training at home, players come in, train, have lunch and usually head home.

"But over in Italy, we spent a lot of social time with each other and it helped the new lads settle in a bit quicker. It's a lot easier to train when the facilities are good and the weather is nice.

"When we returned to pre-season training, we spent a week training at Bellahouston Park. That was probably the toughest part on the players, as there was a lot of running and fitness work. But the players report back in good condition these days."

Meantime, MacPherson will hold talks today with 20-year-old trialist Dominic Shimmin, formerly of Arsenal, after the stopper looked good in this week's friendlies.

He revealed: "Dominic has shown up well in his two outings so we'll have a chat with him. He is a central defender, strong and has a good physical presence."

Saints are also hoping to have another look at trialists from Spain and France, who played with them during last week's Italian training camp.