St Mirren: Striker Steven Thompson to undergo surgery

St Mirren striker Steven Thompson has been struggling with injury since the start of the season

St Mirren's Steven Thompson faces three months on the sidelines, after manager Tommy Craig confirmed the striker needs surgery on a groin injury.

Captain Thompson was the Buddies' top scorer last season, netting 13 goals.

But the 35-year-old has featured just twice this term, with St Mirren yet to pick up a league point.

"It's a massive blow. We now know he is going to be out for quite some time and it's a kick in the guts," manager Craig said.

"I've tried hard not to talk about Stevie because it would sound like an excuse.

"The people I brought in during the summer, Ross Caldwell, Callum Ball and James Marwood, were brought in to play alongside him so that he could educate them and they could take a bit of the weight off him," Craig added.

"All of a sudden the talisman is not there but we just have to crack on."

St Mirren face Partick Thistle in the Premiership on Friday night.