It must be a win
Liam wants victory over United as he battles back from ankle injury hell
Liam Smith has welcomed his winning start to life at St Mirren as he bids to bounce back from injury.
The highly rated full-back, who joined on loan from Hearts last week, currently boasts a 100 per cent record in the black and white stripes following wins over East Kilbride and Livingston.
The move follows an ankle injury suffered in pre- season but the 21-year-old insists he is back to his best.
Smith told Express Sport: “I was delighted to get straight back in to the team. I am just back from injury so to get straight into the side was what I was looking to do when I came out here.
“I’m really enjoying it. It is a good set up here at St Mirren and the boys have been very welcoming so it has been a positive start.
“Long-term, my aim is to impress and get back in the Hearts team.
“Hearts showed faith in me and gave me a new contract before I left so I must admit that was massive for me.
“They told me that it was up to me to go and have a good year and to show them that I’m capable of coming back to be their first choice right back in the future. That is my main aim long-term.
“But first and foremost, I am coming to help St Mirren match what they have showed to get me here. That was the ambition to do well in the league.
“If I can do that, then that would be important for me and a fantastic achievement.”
Smith will be back in action for Saints this weekend when they welcome unbeaten league leaders Dundee United to the Paisley 2021 Stadium.
Having had to battle tooth and nail in his two outings so far, Smith reckons the Buddies will be more than prepared for the fight coming their way when Ray McKinnon’s side come to town.
Smith added: “East Kilbride was potentially a banana skin, but I think we were professional enough and we could have maybe been a bit more comfortable.
“And Saturday showed the character and spirit in the dressing room that I have noticed since coming in.
“To win with 10 men was a great result.
“Dundee United are the people’s favourites for the title and they have started off in fine form with great results.
“But we believe we are equally as strong and nothing except a win will be good enough for us.”