The buds are still looking for their first win of the season, and their first goal, but again the signs were generally encouraging as a slick looking home side had Killie on the rack for a sustained period in what was a thoroughly decent game despite it's lack of goals.

Again the woodwork was to deny Saints, with Jim Hamilton rattling the crossbar from six yards out during our best spell early in the second half, however it was also our salvation later on as the visitors chased the three points, also striking the crossbar late in the game.

Best for Saints on the day were Howard, Potter and the largely unsung hero in the middle of the park in Gary Mason but the standout for me this week was the debutant in central defence, Scott Cuthbert who was immense throughout.

The buddies first home game of the season sees them come up against a Kilmarnock side that got off to a flying start last weekend with a home win over Hibernian. The games between the two sides were desperately close last season and tomorrow should be no different.

Saints are boosted by the return to the first team squad of Andy Dorman, Gary Mason and Steven Robb whilst new loan signing Scott Cuthbert will make his debut in central defence with Jonn Potter. Craig Dargo, Mark McAusland and Will Haining will sit this one out.

Gus will choose from a matchday squad of Howard, Barron, Miranda, Potter, McGinn, Hamilton, Murray, O'Donnell, Dorman, Mason, Mehmet, Smith, Wyness, McCay, Docherty, Brighton, Robb, Ross, Tonet and Cuthbert.

Saints will tomorrow announce the loan signing of Scott Curthbert on a seasons long loan deal from Celtic as they bid to shore up their central defensive resources going into the new season. The Celtic youngster has been drafted in after the club failed to tempt Livingston into selling James McPake, who will be available to sign on a pre-contract basis come January 2009. Cuthbert will go straight into the squad to face Kilmarnock and could well make his full debut due to suspensions and injury ruling out messrs Haining and McAusland respectively,