CUP FINAL MEANING HITS HOME FOR KING

Saints star inspired by resilience of home nation after hurricane tragedy

- COLIN PATERSON

Richard King insists the resilience of the people of hurricane-hit Jamaica will inspire him in Sunday's Premier Sports Cup Final.

The St Mirren defender was worried, thousands of miles from home, when the Caribbean island was battered by the savage tropical storm in October.

Around £6.6 billion of damage was caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Some residents lost almost everything while more than 100 deaths were reported across Jamaica and Haiti.

Fortunately, King’s family and friends were spared the storm - but people the Buddies ace knows were affected.

The Jamaican international defender scored in the 4-1 semifinal victory over Motherwell at Hampden just days after the catastrophic weather event and he celebrated poignantly following the final whistle by hoisting his country’s flag.