MALIK HAS GOT NERVES OF STEEL

Dutch winger admits stepping up to be hero in shoot-out win was best way to make new Buddies

- COLIN PATERSON

Malik Dijksteel insists stepping up in the shootout was the perfect way to become one of the Buddies.

The St Mirren winger delivered the decisive strike as his side edged out Hearts 5-4 on penalties to reach the quarterfinals of the Premier Sports Cup.

The 24-year-old — a summer signing from League of Ireland outfit Cork City — was brought on at the start of the second period of extra time with the sides locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Shamal George's save from Claudio Braga helped set up the winning moment for Dijksteel who was dreaming of being the headline act in Saturday's SMiSA Stadium showdown.

"Before the game you are thinking maybe you can go on and score the winner," he said afterwards.

"But to be able to contribute in this way after the boys worked hard all game is a great feeling.