Source: Team_Talk
Gus impressed by Mixu's passion
Hibs boss Paatelainen played under Saints counterpart MacPherson for a season at Love Street and the Buddies manager believes the Finn displays the same drive and determination in the technical area that he showed as a striker.
Paatelainen, whose side travel to St Mirren Park on Monday night, found himself under pressure as the Easter Road outfit endured a run of only one win in 10 games before a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes.
Hibs had a marvellous March, which saw Paatelainen named Manager of the Month and Steven Fletcher pick up the award for Young Player of the Month.
Paatelainen led Hibs to wins over Hamilton and Hearts - his first derby victory - and a draw with Aberdeen during March and those results reignited their bid to finish in the top six and push for European qualification.
Having worked with Paatelainen, MacPherson is not surprised by the manner in which he has turned things round.
He said: "Mixu certainly deserved his manager-of-the-month award because Hibs have enjoyed a really good run.
"Hibs have got some really good players, they have some fantastic attacking players that are all capable of doing something special.
"Mixu is a passionate guy who loves his football. He is very professional and thorough in everything he does and he is committed. He expects that from all of his players as well.
"He is 100% passionate about football and you see that in him when he is by the side of the park, you can't take that out of someone.
"He was like that as a player and is like that as a manager."
St Mirren are one of five clubs locked in the battle to remain in the SPL but MacPherson insists his players will hold their nerve during the final seven games to retain their top-flight status.
He said: "The players have the bottle because you need to have that to play a professional sport.
"Any player making a career at this level has got bottle.
"So what it comes down to is taking your chances on the day and capitalising on any good fortune that comes your way.
"Players have got to keep trying to get in positions to score goals, not just the strikers but also the midfielders and the full-backs. We've got to be attack-minded."
Hibernian 6/4, St Mirren 7/4, Draw 12/5
