McInnes praised both sets of players after the draw at Glebe Park

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes felt Brechin City earned their Scottish Cup replay after the sides drew 2-2.

But McInnes also felt his side played their part in an entertaining cup tie at Glebe Park, which survived a morning pitch inspection.

"It would be wrong to say it was just down to them," said McInnes. "It was two teams who fought hard for their clubs in very difficult conditions.

"Credit to the players for trying to on a game on a difficult pitch."

Brechin took the lead when Rory McAllister converted a spot-kick, awarded after Murray Davidson's challenge on Neil Janczyk was penalised.

Substitute Chris Millar and Danny Invincibile got the goals that put Saints in front in the second half.

But McAllister's second ensured a replay at McDiarmid Park on Tuesday 22 March.

We've actually looked at Rory McAllister ourselves, we know the boy's out of contract Derek McInnes

"It did have all the makings of an old-fashioned cup tie," McInnes told BBC Scotland. "Our support were magnificent, turned up in big numbers to cheer us on.

"I'm just thankful really that we've got an opportunity again to take them back to McDiarmid Park and try and have another go at them.

"For me, the penalty's very, very soft, I thought we won he ball. I don't think the referee was convinced that he had made the right decision either. They got themselves in front in what was probably an even first half.

"I thought we showed more impetus in the second half, imposed ourselves on the game. Chris Millar's introduction was crucial to us and pivotal. He scored a very good goal and we scored another one.

"And the disappointing fact is that, once we get ourselves in front, we should see it off."

As well as praising Brechin's performance, McInnes revealed St Johnstone's possible interest in striker McAllister.

"The boy McAllister caused us problems the whole game," added McInnes.

"We know all about him. We've actually looked at him ourselves, we know the boy's out of contract.

"He caused our back lot huge problems from minute one. We got too tight to him. We never really dealt with him. In turn, he inspired his team and gave them hope.

"Brechin deserved a draw but I also felt we deserved another chance to try and make amends and try to get through to the next round.

"They're hard working, they're organised. We also felt they were a very fit side for a part-time team and that's credit to them.

"Brechin deserve a lot of credit for getting the game on, it looked very, very unlikely at many stages and they deserve a lot of credit for the way they played today."

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