JAMIE McDonagh says he’s ready to put his ‘stupid’ sending off against St Mirren to one side — and he’s hoping boss Jim Duffy can learn to trust him again.

McDonagh was shown a straight red card against St Mirren in Paisley on Hogmanay, and his boss has spoken about the immaturity shown by the 20-year-old at the time.

But the Northern Irishman is hopeful his manager can put his faith back in him against Falkirk this weekend - even though he knows it will be difficult to walk straight back into the starting 11.

Speaking exclusively to the Tele, McDonagh said: “I’ve been playing games for the 20s and keeping myself fit, so I’ll be ready when called upon. I’ll give it my best shot when I’m playing.

“I just need the gaffer to trust me again, it was a stupid mistake by myself [against St Mirren], but I need the gaffer to trust me, put me back out there and allow me to show what I can do.

“Being out, it gives you time to reflect on what you’ve done wrong and the other aspects to your game. Being out is obviously a bit frustrating but it was just a bit of stupidity and I’m sure it won’t happen again.

“It gives you time to reflect on things you can do better when you’re playing and what you can do to make yourself a better player.

“It’s a cup game and we’d love to get a good run in the cup, but I’m not expecting to go straight back into the team. The team has been doing so well. We’ve got other options up front and Doyley [Michael Doyle] has been doing very well at right-back.

“I’ll just have to bide my time and take my opportunity when it comes. As a player from a personal point of view, I want to be playing every week.

“But the most important thing is that the team is doing well in the league, we’re getting as many points as possible and we’ve got a great home run. 

“We just want to continue that in the cup but as long as the team’s doing well, I’m happy.”

McDonagh believes Ton’s run in the Betfred Cup earlier this season — when they made it all the way to the semi-final against Aberdeen — will inspire them in the Scottish Cup.

He added: “We definitely want another cup run. 

“The Betfred Cup was just a wee taster of playing at Hampden, which was a great occasion and great for the fans and club. 

“Hopefully we can go on another run — starting with Falkirk on Saturday.”