Ethan Erhahon firmly believes reducing the Old Firm’s ticket allocation in Paisley is paying off in points.
The St Mirren midfielder helped his side pick up a 1-1 draw against Rangers in their final game before the World Cup break.
Having restricted all away supporters visiting the SMiSA Stadium to just one stand this season, the Saints also impressively ended Celtic ’s unbeaten domestic streak after sealing a 2-0 win in September on their home turf.
While the move has frustrated Old Firm fans who have seen their allocation cut, Erhahon is certain the move has given his Buddies a competitive edge they’ve been previously lacking when taking on the Glasgow sides.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, Erhahon said: “I think we have come a long way. Even the last game here against Celtic, we showed how well we can play against the Old Firm.
“We were comfortable in that game and we were comfortable against Rangers too. It shows how far we’ve come as a team, a club and a whole community.
“It almost felt like an away game when they used to have both stands.
“Now that they’re back to just one and we’ve got three stands, I think it’s a big plus for us as players.
“I know a lot of Rangers fans who are complaining about not being able to get a ticket. I get that it’s annoying for them, but it’s our home ground.
“We want to make it a fortress and make it a hard place to come. Having the three stands has definitely helped towards that.
“It definitely does help us pick up these results. It’s so important when you’re digging in during the last 10 minutes and they are putting the pressure on, we can hear our fans from three stands.
"We know the support is behind us, which means a lot. You always want other teams to worry about coming to St Mirren. You don’t want them to enjoy coming to Paisley.
“We want to make it a place that’s hard to get away with a point or three points. We want to keep this unbeaten run going and we’re looking forward to building on it now.”
Erhahon is making the most of the international break by jetting over to Dubai to escape the Scottish winter.
The 21-year-old is hoping to take in some World Cup action in Qatar, especially to support St Mirren teammate Keanu Baccus who is aiming to feature for Australia.
Erhahon revealed Ryan Strain, who was unfortunate not to be called up to the Socceroo’s final 26-man squad, will also be out in the Middle East.
He paid tribute to Strain’s performance against Rangers, particularly after the disappointment of missing out on his World Cup dream. Erhahon said: “I’m going to the Wales - America game and I’ll try to get to one of the Australia games as well.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve never been to a Euros or a World Cup so I’m excited.
“Now we’ve got Keanu involved with Australia as well which is great. We all said in the dressing room after the Rangers game we’d be supporting him and Australia.
“Ryan is heading over too so hopefully we can cheer Keanu on from the stands. Against Celtic Ryan had Daizen Maeda in his pocket and against Rangers he had Ryan Kent pocketed as well.
“For him to come back from the disappointment of not making the World Cup and then deal with a top player like Kent is testament to him and his mindset.
“He’s a good lad and he’ll keep pushing on. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t get back in the Australia squad. I think he was hard done by not to get to the World Cup in the first place.”
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