JOY OF SIX
Robbo insists his Buddies are fearless as they chase top ratings
Stephen Robinson insists St Mirren won’t be lost in the moment today as they stand on the verge of creating their own piece of club history.
The Buddies will secure successive top-six finishes in the top flight for the first time in 39 years with victory over Hearts at a near sold-out SMiSA Stadium.
A draw or even a defeat will be enough if seventh-placed Hibernian fail to beat St Johnstone at Easter Road.
But while Saints boss Robinson paid tribute to the efforts of his squad, he will not let them be gripped by the occasion.
He said: “It’s my job to not let them get too caught up in that moment.
“It’s a game of football with only three points at stake. To be in this position for the second time in a row...it’s 39 years I believe since St Mirren had two consecutive top-six finishes.
“What it does show is what a good group of boys we have here and how far this club has come in the last two years when we’re sitting here.
“We’ll do what we’ve done for the last two years, take the game to Hearts at home and we’re confident.
“There is no fear.”
Robbo added: “People ask if it surprises me to be sitting where we are. I say it doesn’t but it should surprise everyone outwith this group of players because we’ve not done it for 39 years.
“We’ve come a long way very quickly and we’re trying to build foundations to make this occasion of being a top-six side more achievable.”
In terms of team news, Saints were yesterday assessing Ryan Strain (groin) and James Bolton (hip bruise).
Meanwhile, Northern Irish midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce has signed a oneyear contract extension with the club.
■Today’s FamZone event behind the Tony Fitzpatrick Stand has been cancelled due to poor weather.