Garner on goals trail at last

The £1.8m signing from Preston had managed just four goals in 23 appearances before Saturday’s treble.

But Garner, who also struck against Dundee two weeks ago, hopes he has finally rediscovered his goal touch after helping Gers booked their place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a 6-0 mauling of Hamilton.

He said: “I feel I’ve had a lot of chances recently but they just haven’t been going in. I hit the post in midweek against St Johnstone and should have scored.

“If I go back through the games, I definitely should have a lot more goals. But I’m getting the chances so hopefully with a bit of luck a few will start going in.”

Garner scored just two minutes after replacing Kenny Miller at half-time.

The 28-year-old then struck twice late on after Jon Toral and Clint Hill also found the net.