Athboy man plays crucial role in dramatic cup victory

Jamie McGrath can look forward to an appearance in the last four of the Scottish Cup after his side St Mirren defeated Kilmarnock 5-4 on penalties in a drama-filled quarter-final clash last night.

St Mirren side will take on St Johnstone in the semi-final with the Athboy man playing a huge part in ensuring Jim Goodwin's side progressed to that stage.

Kilmarnock led 2-1 going into the closing stages of normal time in last night's game. St Mirren won a free taken by McGrath who swept the ball into the box where former Republic of Ireland u-21 player Joe Shaughnessy scored from close range to make it 2-2.

The game went into extra-time and Kilmarnock regained the lead. Then with time almost up Jake Doyle-Hayes was fouled close to the Kilmarnock goals. McGrath stepped up to take the penalty kick confidently slotting the ball home. That made it 3-3 and ensured the game would go to a penalty shoot-out.

In the shoot-out McGrath again scored from the spot to add to his tally of goals this season.

McGrath was widely praised on Radio Scotland for his performances from commentators such as former Scotland manager Craig Levine and Shelley Kerr.

"He is a quality player," said Kerr.