BY KYLE GUNN 

JIM Goodwin is ready to take on his first top flight game as a manager in the capital tomorrow - but the Irishman is already bracing himself for a makeshift line-up. 

The former captain has enjoyed a stuttering start to life in Paisley and is set to have only one striker, Danny Mullen, available for the trip to Hibs. 

Cody Cooke's injury has instensified the need for new recruits and Goodwin has moved to bring in Sam Foley and Ilkay Durmus this week. 

READ MORE: St Mirren secure deal for Wacker Innsbruck winger Ilkay Durmus

And speaking before the game, the 37-year-old confirmed Cooke would need surgery. 

He said: “It’s a lot more serious than we though originally. You’ll be looking at the new year before he is back.

"I’m always gutted for any player who gets injured. We didn’t expect it to be as bad as what it is but his attitude since I came in the door has been top notch.

"He is a fit boy who works hard and wants to do well. We were all desperate for him to be ok. We had hoped for maybe a month or so but it looks a lot more serious than that."

He continued: "We need one (a striker) for Saturday and probably another one after that.

"We also don’t have a recognised left back which is not great either when you’re going to a team as expansive and direct as Hibs.

You need your back line to be strong and organised. So we may have to shuffle the pack a little bit. Left back and striker are the main positions at the minute. At least one before the weekend.

"We have had a positive phone call from a player so hopefully we will get the clearance before the weekend.”

Goodwin's homecoming against Dunfermline in BetFred Cup didn’t go according to plan as the Buddies lost 3-2.

And the former Alloa gaffer was extremely grateful for the reception from the supporters.

But he admits that tomorrow will be a dream come true to manage in the Premiership.

Goodwin added: “I think it’s going to be amazing. For me as a young manager it’s always your dream to manage at the top level.

"To be a Premiership manager now is everything I was aspiring to be. To be manager of this club going into this campaign is a very proud moment.

"The reception I got against Dunfermline was amazing but it didn’t surprise me because I know how good the fans are.

“I know what they are capable of and while it didn’t last all that long it was great vibes I got from them.

"I expect them to turn up to Easter Road in good numbers. It will be a very proud moment for me and for my family to lead St Mirren out into the Premiership at Easter Road  in front of 15,000 people. It will be brilliant and I’m desperate to get it under way.”

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