ST MIRREN can be dam busters tonight and finally get the goal they need to open the floodgates after their scoring dry run.

That's the message from Buddies centre-half Marc McAusland ahead of their League Cup meeting with Dunfermline in Paisley.

Saints have been a Jekyll and Hyde production so far this season on Premiership duty, with a dismal display against Hamilton Accies being bookended by two fluid, attacking showings against Motherwell and Dundee.

Despite being the better team in two of those games, all St Mirren have to show for their efforts is three defeats, with zero goals being scored in the process.

McAusland is not underestimating the stern test he and his team-mates will face when Jim Jefferies' League One outfit turn up tonight at St Mirren Park, especially after their 3-0 win over Airdrieonians at the weekend.

The 25-year-old defender, however, senses Saints' goal drought could be brought to an abrupt halt if they repeat their level of performance against Paul Hartley's side on Saturday.

He said: "We played really well against Dundee and we created a lot of chances but just couldn't find the net.

"It was the same story as the Motherwell game. We came away from it thinking we definitely should have had something to show for our efforts. It wasn't to be, though.

"I think we just switched off a bit for their goal and that cost us the game.

"It's a wee bit surprising we've not found the back of the net yet this season, but I think that as soon as we get one, we'll get a few.

"As a team, we're not too downhearted. Of course, the strikers will be getting frustrated, but I'm sure that once they get their first goal the rest will follow.

"It's going to be a hard game against Dunfermline. They've started the season well and they're always very organised.

"But if we play the way we did at the weekend, I'm sure we'll get the right result."

McAusland hopes the man to fire St Mirren to that result is returning club hero Steven Thompson.

The veteran forward made his Saints return from the bench on Saturday after being out for almost four months and he could be in line to start tonight's tie.

Boss Tommy Craig also welcomed back suspended midfielder Jim Goodwin for the Dundee match, and McAusland is confident the pair's positive influence will be felt against the Pars.

He explained: "It showed against Hamilton how much we missed Jim. Now it is a massive boost for us to get him back.

"He can break up the play, pass the ball, and be a big influence in the game.

"Thommo coming back is another big bonus.

"He's the club captain and the number of goals he scored last season shows what a big presence he is for St Mirren.

"Hopefully the big man can get off the mark for us tomorrow night."