Kearney has ‘huge project’ on his hands at St Mirren

Oran Kearney has warned that bringing Premiership success to St Mirren will not be an overnight fix.

The new Buddies manager watched as his team were battered 3-0 by fellow strugglers Hamilton on Saturday.

Fredrik Brustad sent Accies on their way, before Mickel Miller struck a second from the spot after St Mirren substitute Jordan Kirkpatrick fouled Dougie Imrie. Miller, pictured, added a third from distance after the break as Hamilton leapfrogged St Mirren in the table.

Kearney, whose side secured a surprising draw with champions Celtic last weekend, said: “At my old club in Coleraine for seven years, we went through two or three years of building before we got to where we wanted to be.

“There are things that change from being a Championship club to a Premiership club, and that transition is hugely important to try to remain in that league for a number of years. It’s a huge project, and it’s going to be a challenge, but it’s one we’re going to embrace.” Kearney also warned his players that they cannot continue to let their heads drop after going behind. Hamilton’s second goal followed just three minutes after the opener, and Saints never looked like recovering.

“It’s about mindset,” he added, “because if they’re going to feel sorry for themselves every time they go behind, or every time they lose a match, it’s going to be a long season.”

Hamilton manager Martin Canning was delighted to see his side notch their second win of the season after three consecutive defeats, and singled out goalscorer Miller for stealing the show.

He said: “I thought young Mickel was brilliant. It wasn’t just his attacking output, but also his work rate to get back into shape when we lost the ball, it typified his performance.”