Kearney hopes squad can show similar resilience

St Mirren manager Oran Kearney overcame crippling injuries and upset the odds to make it to the top of Northern Irish football.

The 40-year-old now insists the experience of battling through the pain barrier has given him the perfect preparation and resilience needed to keep Saints in the league.

The Buddies manager admits that confidence will be key to his side transforming their fortunes in the coming weeks.

However, he admits he completely understands the self-doubt that can creep in among the ranks.

Kearney said: “Deep down I am sure some of my players will have questioned themselves. Are they good enough to play at this level?

“But there comes a time when they have to stick their chests out and say they are absolutely ready to play at this level.

“It’s a human thing. In any walk of life if you get a job promotion or if you move from one club to another you will always have those question marks.

“I did it. Of course you do when you come in.

“But, firstly I would not have gone for the job if I did not think I could do it.

“As a player I came through four career-threatening injuries – two cruciates and two horrible hip operations.

“With each and every one of those, I nailed the individual rehab with flying colours.

“I would like to think from a resilience and mentality point of view I have had enough experiences to say that I can do that.

“Those are the things that I draw on when it comes to scenarios like this.

“I have seen the good and horrible side of football and I think it gives you that grit to prove yourself.

“I have worked extremely hard for the last seven or eight years to get to this stage.

“It was probably a little pipe dream out there and I was never sure that it would come to fruition.

“Now that it has arrived the hunger is there for me to deliver and succeed.”

Saints return to action tomorrow afternoon when they take on Kilmarnock at the Simple Digital Arena.

Fresh off the back of the international break, Kearney insists his players are fit and raring to go.

Kearney added: “It has been productive but we’re at that stage now where we’re itching for a match. We’ve trained enough.

“It’s still very early days. The league we are playing in is very tough and it’s a step up for a lot of the boys.

“But I have been delighted with the application of the players. The commitment has been brilliant.”