St Mirren looking to build on best start to a season in 75 years on return to league action

St Mirren are looking to put their cup exit at the hands of Hibs behind them and build on their impressive league form when they return to action this weekend.

Despite the League Cup defeat at Easter Road midweek, the Saints remain unbeaten in the Premiership after making their best start to a season in 75 years by winning four and drawing two of their six games so far.

They are second only to champions Celtic and could go top on Saturday if the Hoops lose at Motherwell and they beat Kilmarnock in Ayrshire.

You have to go away back to the 1948/49 season to find a better opening six games for the Paisley side in the top-flight.

Speaking ahead of their game at Rugby Park, manager Stephen Robinson said: “We are disappointed with an opportunity missed in the cup, but we scored two brilliant goals. The first one was after 20 passes and a superb finish, the second one was a really good move and finish as well.

“A lot of positives, but the luck just didn’t go our way. We are not going to get to down about it, it’s an opportunity missed but it’s in the bin now.

“We have to remember this is the best start to a season for St Mirren in 75 years, so there won’t be anybody feeling sorry for themselves or down.

“We got punished by a good team with good players and now have to put that to one side and focus on another very difficult game this weekend.

“We have an incentive to keep our league run going, we set certain targets in terms of blocks of games so anything from this block now is a bonus, it means we can stay in the position we are in and kick on.

“We have two hard games coming up in Kilmarnock and Rangers, two very different tests but we are looking forward to it. How can you not enjoy it when we are in our current position? So we have to embrace that.

“People have to remember we have had a very, very good start. At no stage have we got carried away with our league form and, certainly, we are not going to get down about losing to a very good side.

“(The best start in 75 years) is not something I get too caught up with but I think it’s important for these players to be recognised for what they are doing and what they have done over the last 18 months.

“Expectations have risen now and when the expectations are higher the disappointment after a defeat in higher, but we want the players to be acknowledged and the only way to do that is to continue being successful.

“What we have achieved so far isn’t anything yet, it’s only a good start and it’s important we continue that. It’s important we don’t get too carried away when we win football matches, let the fans do that and enjoy it, but it’s up to me to keep the players grounded and keep moving forward.”