Mark O’Hara believes home comforts will help the Buddies get back on track against Kilmarnock this weekend.
St Mirren have won their last four Premiership games at the SMISA Stadium, including impressive victories against defending champions Celtic and top-six hopefuls Hibs.
After last Saturday’s disappointing 4-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers in Govan, Stephen Robinson’s side are hoping to return to winning ways against their Ayrshire rivals who currently sit joint-bottom of the league.
O’Hara feels the backing of the Saints faithful will give the players an extra spring in their step as they look to put their heavy loss at Ibrox swiftly behind them.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, O’Hara said: “The fans have been brilliant with us so far this season. They’ve definitely helped us get over the line at times in certain games, especially in the Hibs and Celtic wins.
“They’ve given us that extra yard when we’ve needed it. They’ve been showing up in numbers and the boys are thriving off that.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many coming to the games and we don’t want to let the fans down as a result.
“Hopefully we can keep putting in the performances that will keep them wanting to come back and get behind us.”
O’Hara came through the youth ranks at Rugby Park before going on to make his debut at just 16.
Now 26, the experienced midfielder is expecting a difficult test against his former side.
Especially now they have knowledgeable former Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes at the helm.
O’Hara said: “It’s going to be a very tough game. They have good experience and quality throughout their team.
“Derek McInnes is so experienced. He’ll have definitely done his homework on us, but we’ll be prepared for them as well.
“We need to match them physically first and foremost and then look to stamp our mark on the game.”
Having joined the club at the end of last season on a pre-contract deal from Motherwell, O’Hara feels the Buddies are clicking into gear nicely now their new recruits have settled into life in Paisley.
He also believes Robinson’s clear vision for the Saints is helping every player buy into what is being demanded of them on and off the pitch.
O’Hara added: “We’ve got a lot of trust in what the manager is telling us to do. It’s working very well so far.
“I’m loving it under Robinson and Diarmuid O’Carroll (St Mirren’s assistant manager).
“The standard in training is brilliant and everyone is buying into what they are preaching to us.
“Hopefully the results keep reflecting the hard work we’re putting in.”
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