Stephen Robinson was humbled to be picked out by Ange Postecoglou for personal praise.
But the modest manager of the year nominee insists the Aussie’s pat on the back should go to the collective effort that has helped heave his St Mirren side into the top six. Celtic manager Postecoglou was crowned this year's top boss at last weekend’s PFA Scotland dinner but used his acceptance speech to pay tribute to the Saints gaffer.
"For somebody who has achieved what he's achieved and the team he's put together, it's always nice to hear him say nice things,” said Robinson. "From Ange, who has had a fantastic season, to be complimentary like that was humbling, to be honest. To even be in the same company as some of the people at the dinners is completely humbling too. But it speaks more for our work as a whole as a football club rather than me as an individual.”
The prize-giving chase isn’t over there, however, with the pair also shortlisted for the Scottish Football Writer’s Association gong. Robinson added: ”Personally, it's also humbling and a compliment to be shortlisted for this award.
"I take it as a compliment to the club. We're punching way above our weight. We haven't got the structure in place to be a top-six club but we're trying to build a football club with Keith Lasley and the board. With me being nominated, it's reward for everybody's hard work - the players, the fans, everyone coming together.”
Robinson’s team became the first Scottish side to stop the Parkhead Treble-hunters this term with September’s shock win. It was the Hoops only domestic defeat before losing last week’s Old Firm dead rubber and the Buddies boss is hoping to make it two losses in a row when they head to Parkhead today.
He said: “We're going to have a go. We can't really play any other way. I'm quite confident tactically that I can be quite astute with things.
"We want to go and have a go at it. I can't ever go into a game and think it's okay to lose. We will set up the team to press and try to win the game.”
But Robinson admits he’ll be short on attacking options with Curtis Main his only fit senior striker. "Alex Greive and Ryan Flynn are both likely to be out for the season with ankle injuries,” he confirmed. It's so unfortunate to have had so many joint injuries.
"We've had knocks and kicks. That's Tony Watt with an ankle injury, too, and Jonah Ayunga with knee ligaments.
"Losing three strikers is pushing us to the limits. Curtis Main is the only senior striker left. We have the two young boys - Lewis Jamieson and Kieran Offord - who will come into contention and Greg Kiltie can play off the striker as well.
"Richard Tait is back in training but not yet ready to be involved in a game. We will go with what we have.”
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