Stephen Robinson believes St Mirren’s convincing win at Aberdeen will have boosted his side’s confidence for Tuesday’s game against Celtic.
Mark O’Hara’s early drive gave the Buddies the lead at Pittodrie on Saturday before he missed a penalty, but there was no harm done as a close-range strike from Jonah Ayunga and Greg Kiltie’s stoppage-time spot-kick gave the visitors their first away win since September.
St Mirren are in fifth place, two points behind Kilmarnock, ahead of the visit of cinch Premiership leaders Celtic, who will make the short trip to Paisley buoyed by their 2-1 win over Old Firm rivals Rangers at the weekend.
Robinson knows the level of task increases again against the Scottish champions, who won 2-1 when the sides met earlier in the season at Parkhead, but he can take encouragement from last season’s 2-0 triumph over the Hoops at The SMiSA Stadium.
“They don’t get easier,” the Buddies boss told StMirrenTV.
“But certainly at home, if we play with that defensive discipline and work ethic, we know we have the quality.
“We have players who can play and it’s my job to keep working with the forward players. We are creating chances and they will take them.
“I have a lot of belief in the boys that are there. I thought Mik (Mikael Mandron) was very good on Saturday.
“It’s a tough game but we can go in with confidence after that performance.
“I was delighted with it but not surprised. It had been coming.”
Robinson sung the praises of captain O’Hara, who went off at Pittodrie with a knock and will be assessed.
“I was delighted for Mark to get his goal,” he said.
“He has set a standard so high that when he falls down to just playing well he gets criticised.
“But he is the captain of the football club. He has been fantastic for me, he’s a leader of men.
“I am absolutely delighted that he scored. Anyone can miss a penalty so that doesn’t bother me. It happens, and Greg made up for it and scored. Injury-wise, we just have to assess (O’Hara).”
