ST MIRREN manger Jack Ross admitted he was surprised to find a hushed Saints dressing room after their late comeback win over Ayr United on Sunday.

The Buddies came from behind as a late John Sutton brace earned them a 2-1 win and a place in the IRN-BRU Cup semi-final draw.

But despite sealing the first home win at the Paisley 2021 Stadium since July and the first victory under new manager Ross, the Buddies boss was shocked to be greeted by a low key dressing room at full-time.

Ross said he had to encourage the players to enjoy the moment and conceded the reaction was probably a symptom of Saints dismal league season so far. However he hopes the cup win can start to turn their season around.

He said: "It was similar to last week in terms of the performance. We did a lot of things well in the game, but we've still got a lot of things we can improve up on.

"They (the players) had to show character again and I thought they showed that in abundance and we finished the game strongly.

"I was just trying to emphasise to them that they should enjoy it, it was still pretty quiet when I went in (to the dressing room). Which is maybe indicative of how things have went for them this season. I think they realise they have underachieved this season and it's almost like they don't want to get too excited.

"But you have to have a smile on your face because they've won a game of football and are through to the semi-finals. It will hopefully be the start of some positive momentum for us."

St Mirren academy prospects Kyle Magennis and Kyle McAllister kept their place in the team after impressing from the start against Dumbarton last week.

Both were standout performers for Saints with Magennis setting up Sutton's all important second goal and their manager says the pair have grabbed their opportunity with both hands.

He said: "They did what they did last week again. I have huge faith in them as young players, they have impressed me a great deal. They have kicked on again because I think they fell comfortable in that environment.

"Kyle McAllister is a creative force for us, he's quick and dynamic. Magennis in the middle of the park is in there because he has that ability to drive with the ball which not an awful lot of midfielders have nowadays, they tend to pass the ball.

"He's unusual in that regard and as the game goes on he shows that more and more, his run for the second goal was terrific. He's one of those players who moves quicker with the ball than without it.

"They're recognising that this is an opportunity for them to be fixtures in the side."