Stephen Robinson believes the future is bright for St Mirren - because they’ve assembled a selfless group of players willing to give their all for the badge.
The Buddies were under pressure to deliver a result against Ross County after an underwhelming start to the season.
They passed that test with flying colours thanks to Richard Tait’s screamer which turned out to be the match-winner.
Robinson admitted he was concerned some of the criticism directed at the club so far this season could have affected his younger players’ ability to concentrate on matters on the pitch.
But he was impressed with how the Saints pulled together to ensure they picked up a first Premiership win of the campaign to help lighten the mood in Paisley.
Robinson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “The boys are human, they read things. They make pressure up in their heads.
“Pressure to me is when you can’t pay your mortgage.
“But they’re young boys with feelings and they’re trying ever so hard to give everything. And I’m so happy that they got a result.
“We’re only three games in, but it was critical for the players’ belief.
“They read things and it does mount up a little bit, so for the belief in the camp it was great (to beat Ross County).
“The work rate was incredible. In all three games I couldn’t have asked for any more. The boys have given it everything.
“When you’ve got boys like that who are willing to play for the badge, not the name on the back, then it makes all the difference.
“And they do that in abundance. I think if we’re as organised and disciplined as that then we’re going to be a very hard team to break down.
“We got what we deserved when we haven’t in previous games.”
After a busy summer of recruitment, Robinson feels his St Mirren squad is finally taking shape with the majority of his players now available after overcoming injury complaints.
The Buddies boss believes the current blend of newcomers and players returning from the treatment table gives the Paisley club the strength in depth they need to adapt during games.
Robinson said: “We always thought we had a good squad and we’ve now got almost everyone fit, bar Scott Tanser.
“Eamonn Brophy got another 30 minutes and Curtis Main got another 65.
“You look at our bench and we’re starting to get there. We’ve got options now when things aren’t going our way.
“There’s more still to come from Keanu Baccus. He tired in the last 10 minutes, but that’s no wonder with the amount of running that he does - even in training.
“I also thought Ryan Strain was excellent. That’s two boys who are going to be right in among that Australian set-up for the World Cup, hopefully.
“I thought Jonah Ayunga was unplayable at times too. He was excellent and hit the post.”
