ST MIRREN star David Clarkson believes he can rekindle some Motherwell magic with John Sutton as the strike duo attempt to roll back the years with the Buddies.

The pair played together for the Steelmen during the 2008/09 top-flight campaign, plundering a combined 26 goals, and Clarkson insists they cultivated an understanding that will never fade.

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Reunited in attack by St Mirren boss Alex Rae this season, the early signs certainly suggest they will be a potent duo following a promising showing in Saturday’s 3-2 Betfred Cup triumph over Livingston.

They linked superbly throughout, with Sutton producing a delightful cushioned knock-down to tee up Clarkson for a sensational volleyed opener.

Clarkson went on to notch a double, with Lewis Morgan also finding the net for the Paisley men, cancelling out Livi goals by Nicky Cadden and Dale Carrick.

“The link-up with big Sutty is going well and I’m sure he’ll be getting in the goals soon as well,” lauded Clarkson.

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“I played with Sutty at Motherwell and you always know - you never lose that understanding of the way someone plays. You are aware of the strengths and weaknesses and how you want to work.

“He’s a great player to be up front alongside. He is honest, will work hard and is a great character. He knows the game and brings that experience to the squad.

“He is a nice guy as well, which is something the gaffer has emphasised - that desire to bring in people who will work hard for him on the pitch but also bring something to the dressing room.”

Clarkson, meanwhile, admits he has never bagged a better brace than his two wonder-goals in West Lothian. His first effort was a technically magnificent volley from the edge of the box after fine work from Sutton.

The excellent Cadden levelled with a drive from distance before delivering a sensational cross for Carrick to give the Lions a deserved lead.

Morgan made it 2-2 with a cross-cum-shot which fortuitously drifted into the net with ample assistant from the wind.

However, Clarkson stepped up to settle matters, latching on to a loose bouncing ball 25 yards out and fizzing a ferocious drive beyond the helpless Liam Kelly.

“I’ve not scored two better goals than that - definitely not in the same game, anyway!” the 30-year-old smiled.

“The first one was brilliant play by big Sutty to knock it down and I’ve caught it so sweet to put it in the top-corner. The second one has fell to me nicely and, again, I’ve managed to make a good connection and it’s gone in.

“It was great to get the two goals and it carries on what has been a good pre-season.”

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However, Lions boss David Hopkin was also left with plenty of cause for optimism after competing well in large swathes of the contest seeing Cadden, a summer signing from Airdrie, torment the Buddies.

“Nicky [Cadden] is getting fitter, he is getting stronger and we play a system which will really suit him,” said Hopkin. "He is a really coachable player and if he keeps learning and progressing he has a good future in the game.”