Stephen Robinson believes it was about time his hard-working Buddies got the rub of the green.
That’s why the St Mirren boss was more than happy to see his side sneak into the last 16 of the Scottish Cup despite their stuttering performance against Dundee.
The Saints struggled to open up the Championship side throughout their uneventful fourth-round tie at the SMiSA Stadium, eventually squeezing through on penalties after a goalless extra-time.
But after seeing his side pick up just one league point from three strong showings against Hearts and Celtic, Robinson was pleased the Paisley side finally picked up the result he felt their previous efforts merited.
Robinson told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “We have been brilliant the last three games. We were great at Celtic when I looked back at it.
“It was a great performance against a top side and we created four great chances and drew some brilliant saves.
“We were fantastic in both our games against Hearts. I said it before that I thought that it was our best 90 minutes of the season at Tynecastle, but we didn’t get a whole lot out of the games.
“We just didn’t click as a group against Dundee. We made changes and it helped a bit.
“I’m really pleased with the boys that came on, especially Ethan [Erhahon], Alex [Greive] and [Greg] Kiltie because they’re probably disappointed not to start. They made a difference.
“Sometimes the decision-making isn’t right collectively, but we stayed solid and ground it out.
“That’s us 11 unbeaten here. We didn’t play particularly well, but we are through and with that record, we must be doing something right.”
The Saints didn’t get much luck with their fifth-round draw, netting another tricky trip to Celtic Park to take on Ange Postecoglou’s in-form Hoops.
After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in Glasgow’s east end just last week, Robinson will likely at least have Mark O’Hara to call on when they face off again next month after the influential midfielder returned to action much quicker than anticipated.
Robinson explained: “Ahead of the Celtic game I thought Mark was out for four weeks.
“But then he came in and trained on Thursday and Friday with no reaction at all.
“That’s credit to Mark and also Gerry Docherty our physio. He’s arguably been one of my best players and it was big to have him in against Dundee.
“The players will have two days off and then get back to focus on the next five league games, which I think are certainly winnable.”
Another Saints youngster hoping to make his mark for the club over the coming months is 18-year-old forward Kieran Offord, who was recalled from his loan spell at Alloa Athletic last week.
Despite being an unused substitute on Saturday, Robinson believes he will offer great cover going forward - particularly if one of the Buddies’ out of favour strikers moves on before the January transfer window slams shut.
Robinson added: “We had to make a decision on Kieran by January 20th. That was in his contract.
“In case one or two of our other strikers leave, we need that cover here.
“Brian [Rice] wanted to keep him at Alloa because he was doing very well for him, but I see Kieran as having a real bright future.
“I like him working with us. He will get opportunities and it’s up to him how much game-time he gets.”
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