St Mirren proved to be Hearts coach Jim Jefferies League Cup nemesis for the second time this season on Tuesday as they beat their opponents 1-0 in the semi-finals.

'The Buddies' had already got the better of Jefferies - who guided Hearts in his previous spell in charge to the Scottish Cup in 1998 - when he was Kilmarnock manager earlier this season. St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson refused to take the plaudits for his tactics which played a large part in nullifying the physical threat from Hearts and instead paid a generous tribute to the players.

"It's not about me, it's about the players," said the 41-year-old, who has been in charge for over six years. "I thought they were a credit. Every one of them stepped up to the plate."

Jefferies, who was sacked after eight years in charge of Kilmarnock last month, thought he had seen an improved performance from the team since the 1-0 league defeat by St Johnstone last Saturday - his first match back in charge.

"We played a million times better," said the 59-year-old, who had a distinguished playing career with Hearts accruing 227 league appearances from 1967-81 scoring five goals. "You could see there was a willingness to get forward more than they are used to. It will take time to get them into our way of thinking."

St Mirren's hero was Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Billy Mehmet, who scored with a superb curling effort from long range in the 51st minute to propel them into their first League Cup final since 1955 and first major final since 1987 when they won the Scottish Cup. Defeat means Hearts will go trophyless this season having already exited the Scottish Cup and look highly unlikely to even make the UEFA Europa League as they are presently sixth 11 points adrift of fourth-placed Dundee United.

St Mirren - who are eight points behind Hearts in the Premier League - will play the winners of Wednesday's second semi-final between runaway Scottish Premier League leaders Rangers and strugglers St Johnstone.