Players diving not a problem, says Kearney

ST MIRREN manager Oran Kearney (pictured) has denied his side has a problem with diving – despite having players booked for simulation in three of their last four matches.

Striker Simeon Jackson was the latest to pick up a yellow card for tumbling in the box in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Dundee, with both the player and his manager admitting referee Bobby Madden had called that one correct.

Midfielder Ryan Edwards and forward Danny Mullen were also booked for perceived simulation in recent matches against Motherwell and St Johnstone respectively, but Kearney believes there is a big difference between players going down after expecting contact and diving.

He said: “I wouldn’t have any grave concerns about my players and simulation at this point in time. There’s flat-out diving where you’re trying to gain an advantage, and then there’s others where you’re expecting contact so you’ve maybe changed direction or shimmied and the contact hasn’t come.

“The one on Saturday with Simeon probably was simulation so it was a good call by the referee. I don’t think Simeon was trying to cheat or gain an unfair advantage. It was more that he was expecting the contact.”

Saints were promoted to the Premiership but Kearney admits his side’s play needs to evolve to better cope with the demands of the league.

He said: “St Mirren last year were maybe better suited to the Championship given how they played in that division.

“That has to evolve from our side of things but it will take time.”