I’M KEEPING THE FAITH
ST MIRREN v PARS Samson believes Buddies can fulfil boss Ross’ title dream
CRAIG SAMSON has revealed he was sold on returning to St Mirren for a second stint by manager Jack Ross’ title ambitions.
The Buddies keeper admits there’s a wonderful atmosphere surrounding the club with the Paisley men sitting just a point behind Championship leaders Dundee United.
Samson credits Ross with bringing the feelgood factor back to the club, with his top-flight aspirations for St Mirren swaying his decision to rejoin the club in the summer.
Samson said: “We are in a very good position to challenge for the title and go back up to the Premiership.
“We were under no illusions at to what the manager wants. When I spoke to him about coming back to the club, his aim was clear – and that’s to get St Mirren back to where they feel they belong.
“He has never hidden his desire to do that. It is something that he is striving to do and the players all believe we can do it.
“It makes you want to be a part of it. We want to try our very best to win the league. I don’t think I have felt a buzz at a football club like the one I got when I re-signed for St Mirren.
“The fans have really got behind us. That all stems from the fact they came through adversity last season and JOE McKEE and Kevin O’Hara are banned but Tom Taiwo and Craig Sibbald return from injury for
against a winless side who have James Dale and Connor McLellan back. Ryan McGeever and Willie Dyer miss out.
are without suspended Iain Vigurs who joins injured Owain Fon Williams and Felitciano Zschusschen on the sidelines. However, Aaron Doran and Zak Elbouzedi have been included in the Caley squad to face Dumbarton who stayed in the league. There has been a reconnection with the fans under Jack.
“They have really stuck by us. Even in the games when we have not played so well they have applauded us off the pitch. The whole club is on the crest of a wave. It is a great place – and good results breed that feeling.”
Samson’s hoping for the right result against Dunfermline today as St Mirren look to avenge their 3-0 defeat at East End Park in September.
The 33-year-old said: “There are a lot of good teams in this league. It does not matter if it is Brechin, United or Dunfermline the games are all difficult.
“Dunfermline turned us over the last time and we want to put it right. We have worked on things and will do our best to get a positive result.”
While Samson is looking to keep the Buddies’ title charge cruising along, Dunfermline keeper Sean Murdoch has urged Pars to become a little more like Rangers to get their bid back on track.
The 31-year-old’s taking inspiration from Gers’ hard-fought win over Hibs as they look for their first league victory since they beat Livingston 3-1 back in October.
Murdoch said: “We need to man up
ANTHONY HAGGERTY
have Mark Stewart, Grant Gallagher and Danny Handling ruled out through injury. Dimitrios Froxylias could return after a hamstring issue.
Hamilton loan striker Steven Boyd is included in the squad but Ross Brown and Scott Robertson are crocked while Danny Mullen joined St Mirren ahead of their clash with who are again without the injured Connor McManus and Lee Kilday.
are without injured duo Callum Fordyce and and start grinding out results, especially when we aren’t performing so well.
“Rangers showed the way in midweek when they didn’t play to their best at Easter Road but still got the job done.
“We know what we’re up against facing a team at the top end of the table and we must make sure we’re ready.”
Dunfermline have dropped to fifth in the table after their 5-2 thrashing by Queen of the South at East End Park last weekend.
But Murdoch knows a win could take them back into the play-off zone if Livi stumble at home to Morton.
He said: “We haven’t conceded many goals since I returned to Dunfermline two-and-a-half years ago so losing five in one game was hard to take.
“But we take confidence from the fact we’ve still been scoring. If we can get back to keeping clean sheets again we’ll soon return to winning ways.
“The Championship’s more competitive than the Premiership. There are up to seven quality clubs chasing a guaranteed promotion spot.
“Every decent side goes through a bad spell. United had it earlier this season and now it’s our turn but we’ve got to change our fortunes quickly.” Danny Carmichael for their showdown with league leaders
who have James Keatings back. However, Lewis Toshney, Jordie Briels, William Edjenguele and Willo Flood miss out.
are sweating on new boy Mullen who has an ankle injury but Gary Irvine and Josh Todd are both injured. Defender Stelios Demetriou is banned for the Buddies’ clash with who are missing Aaron Splaine and Andy Ryan through injury.