Wardlaw (left) had to go off injured against Dundee United

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon praised his recruits from Second Division football after they finished their first top-flight game with a draw.

Gareth Wardlaw and Darren McGregor, who followed Lennon from Cowdenbeath in the summer, were in the side that drew 1-1 with Dundee United.

"The pundits who've been writing about them probably haven't been to Second and First Division games," he said.

"But there is quality out there. I was particularly pleased with Gareth."

Lennon said Wardlaw "competed well, wanted to play and allowed us to get forward" until he had to go off after 61 minutes.

Thereafter, on-loan Celtic striker Paul McGowan, another one of their six debutants, had to play up front on his own.

They did not look out of place. They looked like they had been in the SPL for a few seasons St Mirren manager Danny Lennon

"We did not have anything else to put on with Higdon being out, with Dargo tweaking his groin and with McQuade pulling up yesterday," Lennon told BBC Scotland.

"When we were down to the bare bones, we had to stick wee McGowan up top there himself and I thought he was absolutely immense today, I thought he was incredible.

"Gareth and Paul McGowan absolutely complemented each other; you can see the quality that McGowan has and he excites me at training with some of the wonderful things he can do. He has that bit of quality and a terrific work ethic."

However, McGowan will be unable to play when his parent and loan clubs meet at Celtic Park next weekend and Wardlaw could be out for up to three weeks after being taken off with a groin injury.

Even so, Lennon took heart from his new team's efforts.

"Because I brought boys from a lower league, questions are going to be asked, but don't judge a book by its cover - read the book first and then make your own mind up," he said.

"They did not look out of place. They looked like they had been in the SPL for a few seasons.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. I thought the boys handled it very well and I thought the supporters were fantastic.

"It shows you that, if you are strong, if you are fit, if you are organised, you are always in with a shout."

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