Saints needn’t look any further than Scots hero Forrest for inspiration
Most Scotland fans were celebrating this week after the excellent victories over Albania and Israel saw the national team move to within two wins of a major tournament.
Saints fans would have enjoyed the results as much as the next supporter but in the back of their minds they would have been itching for their side to be back in action and the chance to get some points on the board.
A point picked up against fellow strugglers Dundee provided a slither of hope that a corner had been turned. And then boom – another two- week wait before another ball is kicked.
Lets hope any small piece of momentum has not been lost with the break for the visit of Craig Levein’s Hearts.
The Edinburgh side may be ravaged by injury but even in stookies they are tough proposition.
Although the timing of Scotland’s success may not have been ideal for Oran Kearney’ side, the wins could serve as inspiration.
Two weeks ago Alex McLeish was the wrong man for the job.
The side looked simply inept in losses to Israel and Belgium.
And then just like that, the world flipped on its head.
Everything was rosy again – two good wins over Albania and Israel has put the Scots within two wins from qualifying for their first major tournament in 22 years.
Two weeks is a long time in football. Saints fans should know that.
A couple of good results can turn a season on its head, as was perfectly illustrated at Hampden on Tuesday night.
Now picking up a couple of victories ourselves against a welldrilled Hearts side and Hamilton, who are scrapping for every morsel going, is not going to be easy.
But if Kearney’s men want to stay in the division now is the time to stand up and make it happen.
The form of Scotland’s James Forrest is another potential source of inspiration for some of St Mirren’s forwards.
The little winger banged in five goals in two games for the Scots – but lets not forget, the Celtic winger had previously been left on the bench by McLeish.
Talented players don’t down their tools. They may suffer losses in confidence and form but talent always remains.
Forrest has now put all three elements together and is reaping the rewards for club and country.
Who in the St Mirren team can do the same? There are a few candidates - Stephen McGinn has looked short on form, Danny Mullen appears low on confidence and the same could be said for any number of the first team.
But the talent is still there. There are enough good players in this team that, if they put it all together, can make a real impact.
They should look no further than Forrest for inspiration when confidence, form and talent combine.
Two weeks away from the coalface for a group of players itching to get some points on the board must have been tough.
But if the atmosphere down at their Ralston training base is anything to go by, they are absolutely buzzing to get going again and that can’t be a bad thing.
Two weeks is indeed a long time in football.
Let’s hope it’s a McLeishesque turnaround with six points against Hearts and Hamilton.