Saints in bid to pack a punch
ST MIRREN hope boxing sessions will help them land a knockout blow on their Premiership opponents.
Oran Kearney has added sparring to the training regime in a bid to bulk up his lightweight squad who have struggled to pack a punch since stepping up from the Championship.
Of their outfield regulars, only central-defenders Jack Baird and Anton Ferdinand top the 6ft mark, leaving the Paisley side – winless since the first game of the season – struggling against bigger opponents.
Kearney’s side head to St Johnstone on Saturday and Baird said: “The boxing sessions are something the manager introduced recently and already we’re feeling the benefits of it.
“It’s been fun getting the gloves on and giving a battering to whoever is holding the pads, although it’s pretty hard work and we all felt a bit sore for a few days after the first session.
“It definitely makes you feel stronger afterwards, physically and mentally, as you have to be ready for the contact when you’re the one holding the pads.
“It should help build our fitness and give us more of a physical edge as we’re not the biggest of sides.
“I’ve noticed a lot of the teams we’ve faced so far this season have a massive striker leading the line. You’re up against a higher calibre of player as well. But we’re getting more used to it.”