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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Taylor Murray

St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson plays down significance of Livingston top-six clash

Stephen Robinson insists his side's crunch clash with Livingston ISN’T the biggest game of St Mirren's season.

Buddies are aiming to smash Livi and leapfrog them into the top six. But boss Robbo refuses to be drawn into mind games after Livi gaffer Davie Martindale claims that a win would be more crucial for Saints.

Robbo was quick to downplay that theory and said outside noise has built up around the Premiership top-six rivals showdown.

He said: “People have built this game up and I can understand that but it is only another three points. There is pressure but it is the right type of pressure.

“Usually, St Mirren at the bottom looking over their shoulder, worrying about relegation. But we are looking to get into the top six, so that is a good pressure.

“We want to achieve that and this is being classed as a big game but we still have four games ahead of us.

“If we got three points it would be fantastic and put us back into the top six and in the driving seat but we need to do it in the games after this one.

“There’s no reason why we can’t get points at Tynecastle and then Ibrox before playing Kilmarnock at home.

“Football isn’t won on paper. We have struggled against the so-called lesser teams at times rather than the bigger clubs.”

Robinson is in a good position when it comes to squad selection with Ryan Strain, Keanu Baccus, Alex Grieve and Alex Gogic all available for selection, with Gogic not playing in Cyprus’ friendly on Tuesday.

Only Jonah Ayunga and Richard Tait are ruled out for the game with long-term injuries.

The Buddies are unbeaten against the West Lothian side in their last six head-to-heads with the Paisley outfit drawing four and winning two; the last defeat for the Buddies was in August 2021 in the League Cup.

And Robinson will be hoping that mixed in with the positive home form the Saints have shown can continue that streak this weekend.

“I think both teams want to win it but I am sure Davie is trying to put pressure on us. The only pressure on us is from within. We have done so well this season and we are desperate to turn it from a good season to a great one.

“If you get into the top six we can chase Europe so both clubs have incentives.

"I don’t buy into one game is massive. We could lose this game, but pick up points in the next three and still make it. We are at home and we have been excellent in Paisley. We will go about it in the right manner.”

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