Mark O’Hara believes playing as a ‘number eight’ is the reason behind his incredible goal tally.
The Buddies midfield master bagged a brilliant brace against Rangers at Ibrox, taking his return to 12 for the season with six games still to play.
His first — a sensational volley — was one of the finest goals St Mirren have ever scored against the Glasgow side, with his second also a fine finish from the edge of the box.
The 27-year-old, who has thrived playing in a more advanced role in Stephen Robinson’s midfield trio, was delighted to bag his fifth goal against the Old Firm in this campaign.
But he wishes his team could have held on for the point they craved to secure a Premiership top-six spot in Govan.
When asked if this was his best ever season in front of goal, O’Hara told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “Yeah it is, 10 in the league and 12 overall. I put it down to the position I’m playing now.
“I’ve never had a good run before in an advanced midfield role — a number eight as such — but the manager knows that’s how to get the best out of me.
“The first goal was special. I think everyone was surprised by that! I just looked up and it glanced in at the top corner off the post. I was delighted. It was a good feeling of euphoria when that first one went in.
"I scored a good one against St Johnstone earlier this season but I think given the stage it was on and the timing of it I felt this one was the best I’ve scored. It felt good.
“Most players thrive in these occasions. You want to play in these big games and these big stadiums. This season seems to be bringing out the best in me.
“It’s disappointing after we got ourselves to 2-2 with 15 minutes to go as we felt we were going to get something out of the game.
“Rangers freshen things up and bring on quality and that makes it hard. I think the heads went down after the third one went in and it wasn’t the justice we deserved for our efforts up until then.”
St Mirren’s top-six bid will now go down to the wire when Kilmarnock visit Paisley this Saturday.
A point from that crucial clash will guarantee the Buddies finish in the top half, with a loss for Hibs and a defeat or draw for Livingston also enough to see Robinson’s side achieve their goal in their final game before the split.
O’Hara said: “Football’s never plain sailing is it? We knew we needed one point regardless before coming into the weekend and that’s still the same.
“We’ve been good at home this season and are now going to build into a big important week.
“The stadium’s going to be full and hopefully we can get over the line.”
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