Harry’s leading the case for the defence

More often than not this season Saints have been a banker.

The Paisley side’s record of 18 wins in 26 league outings have made the boys in black and white something of a favourite among those who fancy a flutter.

But less than a few months ago Jack Ross’ men were also popular among the both teams to score market.

Keeping a clean sheet is something that they have struggled to do for the most part of this season, with a fierce attacking threat bailing them out at the back on more than a handful of occasions.

Despite a barnstorming start to the Championship – which saw Ross’ men race clear at the top of the league – the backline have only managed to keep one blank in a 3-0 victory over Dundee United.

But it has been changed days down Greenhill Road in recent weeks – and although their leaky defence hasn’t exactly been plugged on the road, it has now been over 490 minutes since Saints have conceded a goal on home turf.

Dispel your mind of the recent 4-1 loss away to Livingston and it is easy to see why the defence are earning just as many plaudits as their counterparts on the forward line and heart of midfield.

The way the defence have went about their business is more than commendable... and it is starting to become easy to forget the days that even Jack Ross admitted his side have surely raked in a bit of dosh for punters.

Central to their success has been the return of Harry Davis to the heart of the backline.

The Englishman has been something of an unsung hero since his return from a dislocated knee in November following seven months on the sidelines.

Having persevered with a number of makeshift partnerships over the course of the season, with the likes of Jamie McCart and Gregor Buchanan both serving their stints in defence, Davis’ return solidified the backline.

The way he has kept his compusure, marshalled a defence alongside an ever-improving Jack Baird, and stepped up to the plate when it mattered most has made a massive difference.

Prior to Davis coming back in to the side, St Mirren had managed to only keep two clean sheets in 12 games.

But since his return, Saints have kept six in 13 league outings, and the one game he missed the team conceded two away to Queen of the South.

The defence has now been further boosted by the return to fitness of Gary MacKenzie, with last season’s player of the year chipping in with appearances against both Livingston and Brechin City in recent weekends.

Davis and MacKenzie appeared to have something brewing last year before Davis’ season was curtailed in March.

Since then they have only managed to team up from the start in the Brechin game. If given the opportunity, there is a partnership there worth keeping an eye on.

MacKenzie’s influence is another that can’t be underestimated.

The fan famed Bank of Gary Mac raked in the cash for fans last year, with the big lump of a defender always a sure thing with his aerial threat in front of goal.

If he can find even just an ounce of the form that he showcased throughout last season then Saints are on to a good thing.

And with Baird at the back, for the first time this season, St Mirren now have options to change things.

But a word of caution ahead of the weekend the last team to take a goal of the Buddies in Paisley, Dumbarton, came away with three points.

As The Pars roll into town tomorrow afternoon, St Mirren have a full defence to pick from for the first time this season.

Davis, MacKenzie and Baird are all available. Gary Irvine, Stelios, Adam Eckersley and Liam Smith are also all fit and ready.

Even Massimo Donati could yet make his debut.

I’ve watched Saints too long to ever to tip a clean sheet, but I dare say it looks a good bet.