Jack wants another crack at Premiership

Jack Baird insists he is ready for another tilt at the Premiership following three years away from the top.

The St Mirren defender made his debut for the Buddies back in 2014 in a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hamilton Accies.

It was the first of eight appearances for Saints in the top flight in a campaign that would ultimately end in relegation back to the Championship.

Hopes had been high that the side would bounce straight back but wretched campaigns saw St Mirren battling relegation yet again.

However, Baird reckons that Saints’ time has finally come, admitting that he dreams of the opportunity to pit his wits against the country’s top sides.

Baird said: “When I came into the squad we were already pretty much relegated from the top flight. I had only played a few games beforehand and as much as I was enjoying playing, it was hard because of the position we were in.

“Having battled it out at the bottom of the league I know the pressure that comes with it but it has made me a better player as a result.

“It would be great to go back into the SPL having developed as a player and having the chance to give it a proper go.”

St Mirren and boss Jack Ross have made no bones about their aims this season, with promotion by any means necessary the ultimate goal.

Baird added: “When we came back after the summer, promotion was the goal we had straight away.

“We knew then we had a good team.

“To do as well as we did for the last four months of the season was special, and we have always wanted to repeat that in this campaign.

“Promotion is the goal that’s always been there.”