BY IAIN COLLIN – @CCP_sport
GARY Irvine is convinced St Mirren will come good this season, thanks to their blend of youth and experience.
The Buddies have so far failed to pick up a league win, managing draws with Morton and Ayr United but losing to Raith Rovers and Hibs in the Championship.
But, after winning three from four in the Betfred Cup, Irvine insists there is no sense of panic as Alex Rae’s men travel to face Albion Rovers in the IRN-BRU Cup this afternoon.
The new-look squad has seen the likes of loan youngsters Tom Walsh, Ryan Hardie and Lawrence Shankland drafted in beside John Sutton, David Clarkson and Ben Gordon.
Irvine told Capital City Press: “With all the new faces the manager has brought it, I think it is a good mix now. He’s brought in experience and he’s added some good quality young boys who are out to make a name for themselves.
“These young boys are out to learn their trade and learn off us experienced ones, and we’ve got boys who have been there and done it now.
“I do think it’s a good mix that the manager has put together, and hopefully it gels together and the performances start coming.
“I still feel it’s early doors in the league, we’re only four games in.
Perfect
“People just get carried away and they expect so much, expecting the team to win every week and everything to be 100 per cent perfect.
“We’ve taken positives from all the games – and the negatives as well – and it’s about progressing now.”
St Mirren missed out on a place in the knock-out phase of the League Cup because of goal difference and Irvine is keen to ensure they do not suffer another disappointing exit.
The former St Johnstone and Dundee defender added: “The League Cup was a sore one for us. It was unfortunate that we didn’t go through.
“But the fact we managed to dig out a few performances in a cup show us what we need to do in this cup.
“You want to go and win trophies and the incentive is there for us.”
@IainCollin
