Gaffer urges team not to panic if Smith is ruled out

St Mirren have to cope better with the absence of Cammy Smith, according to boss Jack Ross.

Smith was a last- minute casualty for the clash with Dumbarton last weekend after pulling up with a groin injury in training on the Friday afternoon.

Saints toiled as they eventually succumbed to defeat at the hands of the Sons.

However, the ga f f e r insists that they can’t use the Aberdonian’s knock as an excuse for not hitting the standards he has come to expect from his players.

Ross continues to sweat over the fitness of the attacking midfielder, who has been a regular in the side since penning a permanent deal from Aberdeen in the summer.

But he revealed that there is every possibility Smith could return for tomorrow’s clash away to Brechin City.

Ross told Express Sport: “It is easy to say that we missed Cammy, because we got beat and he wasn’t playing.

“He is a very good player, who has played, by and large, every week for me and that shows how much I think of him.

“As the game panned out, it was obvious we did miss him — but we should have had enough to win the game anyway.

“We should still have enough in our group and squad to bring the same energy and enthusiasm, even without him. That was the most disappointing aspect of the game against Dumbarton.

“We know what Cammy brings to the table, but the reason that you build a squad is to deal with injuries and suspensions when they do crop up.

“We never did that and, if we are without him this weekend, we will need to cope better.

“I have spoken often enough about his importance to the squad and what he brings to us in terms of quality and the standards that he sets.”

Ross remains hopeful that Smith’s injury won’t rule him out for any extended length of time.

The Buddies boss has had to battle injuries to the likes of Adam Eckersley, Kyle Magennis and Harry Davis over the course of the season, while Josh Todd and Gary MacKenzie remain out.

Ross added: “He only got injured on the Friday. It was so close to the game that there was little we could do.

“We are hoping it is nothing too bad that will rule him out for any period of games.

“It is better for us to be without him for one or two games, as opposed to risking him and having him out for eight or so games.

“We will continue to assess him as the week goes on and make a decision closer to the game.”