Stephen Robinson admits goalkeeper Trevor Carson getting the all clear after an injury scare was the only plus after St Mirren 's shock defeat to League One side Airdrie.
The Buddies were sent crashing out of the Premier Sports Cup before their last Group E clash even kicked off this weekend, with the Diamonds dominating after Greg Kiltie's first half red card last night.
Second half strikes from Justin Devenny and teenage sub Kyan Gunn sealed the hosts a crucial 2-0 win to keep their own hopes of progression alive.
Robinson took full responsibility for the damaging defeat and apologised to the travelling supporters who made their frustrations fully known at the final whistle.
He also revealed that number one goalkeeper Trevor Carson would not be facing a long spell on the sidelines after scans revealed the extent of his knee injury wasn't as significant as first feared.
Robinson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “There’s no dressing it up. Collectively, it’s not acceptable.
“We got what we deserved, let’s not take anything away from Airdrie.
“With or without ten men we didn’t deserve to win the game.
“We need to be a bit more direct and match teams and we’re not doing that as a group.
“It’s totally my fault. I take full responsibility and it’s up to me and the boys to change that.
“There’s no excuses. I’ve put the squad and the team together. I can only apologise to the fans that travelled.
“We’re trying to turn it around and make sure we’re ready to go for the Motherwell game.
"The only good news I've had all day is Trevor Carson getting the all clear. Hopefully he'll be available for the first league game.
"Unfortunately we couldn't carry that good news into the game."
Robinson’s sluggish side were worryingly outplayed and outfought in the tie, with Kiltie sent off in the first half for a dangerous high challenge.
The Saints boss hopes the return of strikers Eamonn Brophy and Curtis Main will give them the right sort of physicality he believes they've been missing in their opening three games.
He said: “The performances haven’t been good enough so far.
“We’re passing in front of people and not going in for 50/50 balls. We’re not matching the physicality we’ve faced so far.
“The things you need to do to win games, we’re not doing them.
“Brophy and Main give us physicality and goals and we’ll certainly welcome them back.”
