MacPherson backs goalkeeper Smith

Gus MacPherson was impressed with Celtic's power

St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson backed goalkeeper Chris Smith to bounce back after the 5-1 hammering by Celtic.

Smith was at fault for Celtic's second goal, but MacPherson said: "When a goalkeeper makes a mistake, it generally costs you.

"But he has had some fantastic saves and he has a big, big future."

MacPherson bemoaned the loss of two sloppy early goals but admitted that Gordon Strachan's side were now a formidable one to play against.

Interview: St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson

"That is a very powerful and talented Celtic team," said the Buddies boss.

"You only had to look at the bench, the quality they have sitting there, to see how difficult the job was going to be.

"But we made it doubly hard for ourselves in terms of the goals we gave away.

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"There is no doubt the heads went down.

"It's difficult for a lot of people to understand. But, when you are in that situation, when you can see what a powerful unit Celtic are and when they are coming at you with so much confidence, it can become difficult."