Ethan Erhahon believes the full backing of the Buddies faithful has helped St Mirren turn their home ground into a fortress.
The Saints have tasted defeat just once in Paisley so far this season – a record only bettered by Celtic and Rangers.
Erhahon has been at the club since the age of five and has seen every up and down supporters have experienced in that time.
And the 21-year-old midfielder feels the atmosphere at the ground has never been better for the hosts, or more intimidating for those visiting the SMiSA Stadium.
The Buddies have beaten Celtic and Hibs in Paisley, while also drawing with Rangers at home just before the World Cup break.
Erhahon told SMTV: “I’m buzzing playing with this team. The group of boys we’ve got here is amazing, on and off the pitch.
“We’ve got a real tight-knit community with the fans and the staff. It’s different to what it’s been in previous years.
“I think the fans are really involved this year. There’s people working behind the scenes to make that happen and it’s a big credit to the supporters.
“They’ve stuck with us through tough times at home and away. The atmosphere is amazing here and when we’re up by one goal heading into the last 10 or 15 minutes, they’re roaring from the sides and it’s a massive help. It definitely helps me.
“There’s a mix of everything here now it’s paying off on the pitch.”
After spells in and out of the team in recent years, Erhahon has become a key cog in the St Mirren midfield this campaign.
He has started every single Premiership game to this point and will be looking to keep up that record against former manager Jim Goodwin’s Aberdeen side on Saturday.
Erhahon insists he owes a lot to manager Stephen Robinson and his assistant Diarmuid O’Carroll for helping him take his game to the next level.
He said: “This season I’ve come on technically, my awareness on the ball and off the ball has stepped up another gear and I think I’ve still got more gears to go.
“I have to credit Diarmuid and the new manager for that because they’ve taken a lot of time to sort my game out. I’ve come a long way since they’ve come in.
“It can be frustrating as a player when your performances aren’t good enough to play every week. To have a manager that trusts in me now is huge.
“I have off-days, just like everyone does in every walk of life. But if I have an off-day now I pick myself up better than I used to.
“The manager and the boys get around me too and it’s been good to be a mainstay in the team. I think that’s the reason why, because I’ve been able to bounce back from poor games which is a big thing for me.
“I’m a bit hard on myself sometimes, but I’ve been in my normal position this season and learning from everyone around me.
“I’m looking forward to coming weeks and games ahead.”
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