St Mirren add the fit-again Cameron Howieson and Paul McMullan to the squad that will take on Dunfermline at home in the Petrofac Cup but Luke Conlan and Lawrence Shankland are on Under-21 duty with Northern Ireland and Scotland respectively. Alan Gow will have to stay on the sidelines again with an ankle injury and Jason Naismith is out of contention long-term with a knee problem. Manager Ian Murray hopes his side can grab the opportunity to bring their season to life. He said: "This is a big game as not only is there a semi-final place up for grabs but we have the chance to win at home and start some positive momentum."
Dunfermline's Shaun Rooney and Jason Talbot have proved their fitness and are included in manager Allan Johnston's plans. However, broken-leg victims Ryan Williamson and Callum Fordyce miss out, as does Lewis Martin who has a shoulder injury. Johnston reckons his side will rise to the occasion, saying: "We are one step away from a semi-final and it is a step that we are determined to make. St Mirren have quality in their squad but this game is all about who turns up on the day. We have players who will relish the opportunity to win at a big venue like St Mirren Park."