Motherwell 1 - 1 St Mirren

Motherwell v St Mirren: Preview

Updated: February 6, 2009, 5:33 PM UK

Stephen Hughes returns to the Motherwell squad for the Homecoming Scottish Cup clash against St Mirren.

The midfielder was left out of Monday's fourth-round win at Inverurie as a precaution but is now fully fit.

Cillian Sheridan and Semih Aydilek are vying for a place in the squad after joining on loan.

Manager Mark McGhee has urged his players to learn from recent cup disappointments and ensure they hit peak form against the Buddies.

McGhee led the Steelmen to a rare third-place finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League last season but is yet to take them to the latter stages of a cup competition.

This season, Motherwell have fallen at the first hurdle in the Co-operative Insurance Cup against Hamilton, and against UEFA Cup rivals Nancy.

They were well beaten by Dundee in the fifth round of the Scottish Cup last season and McGhee senses a determination among his players to avoid a repeat at the same stage.

He said: "We had a huge lesson last year and even this year we had our pants pulled down a wee bit in the Hamilton game when the referee sent off Chris Porter. We didn't deserve to lose that game, but we did.

"I think there is a determination and belief that if we get it right on the day then we have a chance of going all the way.

"But the important point is they know they have to get it right on the day.

"They know what happened against Dundee and Hamilton so the alarm bells are ringing and I think that will stand us in good stead.''

St Mirren striker Craig Dargo has been ruled out with a knee and shoulder injury.

Saints are still without defender Will Haining, although he is now back in training, while Franco Miranda and Stephen O'Donnell are ruled out after both had knee operations.

Manager Gus MacPherson accused Ian Harte of leaving him in the dark after the former Leeds star's dramatic u-turn over joining St Mirren.

Full-back Harte, 31, agreed a short-term deal with the Paisley outfit until the end of the season.

Harte was heading north to complete his move but changed his mind and asked for more time discuss it with his family.

Saints boss MacPherson attempted to talk him into continuing his journey to the new St Mirren Park but Harte headed home.

And the club received news the player had opted against a move to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

MacPherson said: "We don't know the reason for it yet. I had a lengthy chat with Ian on Thursday night; he stopped on his journey up north and I was trying to convince him to keep his foot on the accelerator.

"He wanted to go back and speak to his family but he said he'd phone me in the morning to give his final decision.

"I've not heard from him, so I can only assume he's not interested and I know he's said that in other media interviews. It's disappointing that we've heard through that party.''

He added: "These things happen in football. You're never totally convinced it's done until that pen is on the paper.

"We have to accept it and move on.''

Harte starred for Leeds when they reached the 2000 Champions League semi-final and had a spell in La Liga with Levante.

After returning from Spain, he had unsuccessful spells with Sunderland and Blackpool and MacPherson believed the move to the SPL could kick-start his career.

MacPherson does not believe the move broke down over finances.

He said: "I don't think it was done to money. We initially said if it was for financial reasons then we wouldn't have got involved with the deal because we know, with a player of Ian Harte's standing in the game, we couldn't compete at that level to attract him.

"But we were under the impression it was purely for football reasons, that he wanted to get back playing at a good level to show people what he was capable of doing.

"It was just a short-term deal and it could have worked for both parties. It was an area we were looking to strengthen as Franco Miranda has undergone surgery.''