Jim Goodwin demands St Mirren answers from SPFL as Buddies boss smarts over fixture call

Hearts stepped in at short notice to provide the Buddies with a keeper

Jim Goodwin will demand answers today from the SPFL after St Mirren were forced to fulfil Saturday’s fixture against Hibs despite having no recognised goalkeeper.

The Paisley boss worked his way through a 27-man shortlist before eventually securing an emergency loan deal for Hearts’ stopper Bobby Zlamal hours before kick-off.

Goodwin wants to know why they would not give Saints special dispensation – and could have been made to play the game with an outfield player in goal.

He said. “I’m hoping to speak to the SPFL and find out why they thought this was okay.

“If this had been caused by our players doing something stupid we wouldn’t have had any sympathy. As a club we’ve done everything to the letter and unfortunately the lads picked it up.”

Meanwhile, Hearts boss Robbie Neilson defended their decision to loan out Zlamal and said: “He’ll get to play three competitive games in a week.”

Zlamal himself said: "It was a very strange week. If someone had told me on Friday I would be playing in a Premiership game against Hibs on Saturday I wouldn't have believed them.

"I played 90 minutes with Hearts in a friendly on Friday and then on Saturday I played another 90 minutes. It is crazy - but I had to be ready for it.

"I met the other St Mirren players just two hours before the game. I shook hands and then played.

"On Friday when I knew I was coming I was looking at the squad at the names. There were a few I knew but I was trying to make sure I knew the back four.

"I was disappointed because we didn't win. It was an unlucky game for us. We had some chances but we didn't score."