Strap yourselves in Buddies. It looks like it’s going to be another top-six challenge that’s going to go all the way to the wire.
There may well be bumps along the road in the last four games before the split, but I’ve never been as confident in a group of St Mirren players and staff to finally get the job done this season.
It surprises me every single time I doublecheck the last time the Saints finished in the top half of the top flight –1985.
The fact that it’s been almost four decades for a club the size of St Mirren, with the kind of players they’ve had don the black and white stripes and produced in the academy, is hard to stomach for every Buddie out there and it’s high time the club got that particular monkey off their back.
The trip to Tannadice last weekend offered a very reasonable chance of ensuring they went into this week’s international break firmly in the top-six.
And while they couldn’t quite take it, with Jim Goodwin ’s side battling hard for survival, that extra point on the road could well prove pivotal when it comes to split time.
One huge benefit of the current international break is that it gives St Mirren defender Declan Gallagher an extra two weeks to return to full fitness.
Having nursed a hamstring complaint in recent weeks, the nine-time Scotland cap was close to featuring against Dundee United and could well be back in time to take on Livingston in what looks to be a season-defining clash at the SMiSA Stadium next Saturday.
While young Richard Taylor has looked promising in his fleeting appearances so far, in my mind Gallagher is the most solid and dependable centre back the Buddies currently have on their books.
While Alex Gogic has filled in admirably in defence with depleted numbers, Gallagher has the nous and experience St Mirren desperately need in these final four matches.
As well as posing a threat in the opposition box, Gallagher leads by example and his return to action next weekend would be a huge boost for the Buddies as they aim to keep out Davie Martindale’s Lions – particularly star striker Joel Nouble.
Up front for St Mirren Tony Watt will be available again after being ruled out of playing against his parent club at Tannadice. His physicality and eye for goal will help beef up Stephen Robinson’s frontline against a strong and resolute Livi defence.
And in midfield it will be extremely interesting to see if Robinson throws new recruit Caolan Boyd-Munce straight into the mix. There’s been an Ethan Erhahon-shaped hole in the Saints midfield ever since the talented 21-year-old joined Lincoln City in the January transfer window.
The youngster’s creativity and eye for a pass have been sorely missed in recent games, a role Robinson believes Boyd-Munce can fill once he’s fully fit.
There’s no chance the former Middlesbrough talent will be match sharp given he spent February without a club, but the Buddies need someone to unpick the lock against Livi and it might be worth the risk of giving the Northern Ireland under-21 star a chance to show what he can do in Paisley.
Make no mistake. With trips to Tynecastle and Ibrox following next weekend, and the club already having been narrowly overtaken in the top-six by Livingston, next weekend’s clash with Davie Martindale’s side looks to be a must-win if Robinson’s men are to finally secure that top-six finish.
It’s important to note that ending up in the bottom half of the table wouldn’t be a disaster for St Mirren this season, especially given everything that’s gone on off the field over the last 12 months.
But if the Buddies are to finally get hold of that top-six spot they’re craving, there’s no doubt they’ll need to be bold and silence the Livi Lions next weekend.
READ MORE:
Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter here
