Livingston midfielder Jason Holt admits consistency has played a huge part of both his and the club's success during his time in West Lothian.
The 29-year-old has been a near ever-present in the side since arriving two years ago with the Lions having finished sixth and seventh in his two full seasons - and they look well-placed to mount another top six challenge this term.
He commented: "We didn’t have an overhaul in the summer which hasn’t always been the case. We had a core group of boys and that might be a factor in our good start.
“We missed out on the top six last season and we were disappointed in that. When we finished in the bottom six we said to each other that we wanted to finish the season strong and then take that into this season and I think we have done that.
“In the previous season we didn’t finish the campaign that well and it sort of carried on into the start of last term. I believe the group of players we have are more than capable of looking further up the table and the top six is a realistic ambition.
“This season we have started well and I am sure there will be a few bumps along the way, but we have enough quality to react to those setbacks.”
He added: "I have been playing most weeks since coming into the club and I am enjoying it. I have to thank the gaffer for giving me the chance and then it is up to me to stay in the team.
“I think I have been consistent, which is what every player wants. The gaffer says to everyone that if you do well then you keep the shirt.
“For a player it is simple, if you do your job and perform then you will be in the team the next week. That isn’t always the case at other clubs. Sometimes you think you have done well in a game and then all of a sudden you aren’t involved the next week.
“We are all about the team here and that’s been its ethos since coming through the leagues. The gaffer hammers it home that it is about the group, not one player. We have a real togetherness here and it helps.”
The midfielder also admits he laughs at the notion of the Lions being a big, physical outfit - something that has followed the club since their arrival in the top flight.
He commented: "People still say about us being a big, strong and physical side but it couldn’t be any further from the truth.
“Last season other than the defenders, we had myself, Scott Pittman and Stephane Omeonga in midfield, with Bruce Anderson, Alan Forrest and Odin Bailey up front. None of us are exactly giants.
“I feel that label is still put up about us but I disagree with that and you have to laugh about it. We might not change people’s views on that but that’s up to them.
“Since I have been here we have tried to play football the right way. At points you have to see how a game is going and you have to change, but we have shown we can handle that.”
Holt will be hoping to get one over St Mirren today as the Lions travel to Paisley, but knows that will be no easy task. Not least because he's yet to win there in a Livi jersey.
He commented: "They are off the back of a good win over Celtic and they have done well this season.
“It will be tough and like in a lot of games the first goal will be massive and if we can get that it will stand us in good stead.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
