Experienced Saints boss Stephen Robinson knows young players are more likely than most to slip up and make a mistake.
That’s why he’s already forgiven Ethan Erhahon for his needless red card that almost cost the Saints a point against Kilmarnock.
The St Mirren manager was as frustrated as the fans in the away end at Rugby Park when the 21-year-old was given his marching orders just eight minutes into Monday’s clash in Ayrshire.
But Robinson insists there’s nothing to be gained from only criticising players, particularly younger ones at the start of their careers.
The Saints gaffer did reveal Erhahon wasn’t getting away with his mistake scot-free though, with the midfielder having to buy breakfast for his teammates that battled on so valiantly without him against Killie.
Robinson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “Ethan has responded really well since Monday. He’s a young boy who has been brilliant for me, but you live and learn.
“I think it was a nothing challenge and there was no intent. It is a red card as the rules are crazy now.
“He makes the action to push him away but catches Rory McKenzie on the head as he is smaller. He then goes down as if he’s seriously hurt.
“We all learn as we get older, but he is a top talent and a great kid. We put an arm around him. We show him where he went wrong but you can’t continue to criticise people as you won’t get a response.
“He knows he made a mistake, he will learn from it and get better. We spoke to Ethan about it and he will be buying the boys a wee breakfast to make up for it.
“He has been outstanding and I don’t criticise players. We all make mistakes, including me, we are all human.
“It was a mistake, but Ethan knows he will learn from it and come back with a point to prove.”
As a result of his suspension, for the first time this season, St Mirren will line up without Erhahon at the heart of their midfield this afternoon when they take on Hearts in Paisley.
The Scotland Under-21 star, who is still attracting interest from several English clubs, had started every single game of the campaign after becoming a key cog in the Buddies’ engine room.
Robinson admits it’s a blow but insists he’s got plenty of cover in what he feels is the side’s strongest overall position.
Robinson said: “Ethan has been an integral part of what we have done this season. It changes the dynamic of the team slightly, but we have good options to take his place.
“It gives someone else an opportunity. We have Greg Kiltie and Alex Gogic who have had sporadic game-time but done great when they have played.
“That’s the battle to keep those boys happy when you are doing so well. Someone will get the chance against Hearts and hopefully they take it and then it gives everyone competition.
“Goga has been great for me. Mark O’Hara is back available after suspension too, so we have more options.
“At Kilmarnock, to a man, we were excellent. Goga did so well when he came on, he brought us great energy.
“We have options in midfield and I would say it is our strongest area of the team.”
The Saints will need to be at their best all across the pitch this afternoon as they take on Robbie Neilson’s in-form Hearts side.
While the Jambos have far stronger financial resources, Robinson believes his side have nothing to fear heading into the first game of a double header against the capital club.
He added: “The reality is we shouldn’t be anywhere near Hearts. In terms of their size or finances we shouldn’t, but in terms of our squad we have a very decent team.
“We feel we can cause them problems and we don’t fear them going into these two games against them. We want to make this game count and get all three points.
“I have a lot of respect for Robbie in terms of the job he has done and the players he has recruited.
“If you look at his squad, they have a lot of injuries but their bench is still so strong. That’s testament to his recruitment and the players they have.
“Like when we play Rangers or Celtic, we have to be at the top of our game to get anything out of it.”
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