St Mirren: Caretaker Gary Teale wants side to be more dogged

Caretaker manager Gary Teale wants to change the mindset of his St Mirren side as they look to move away from the foot of the Scottish Premiership table.

The Buddies lost 4-1 at Celtic on Sunday in Teale's first match in charge since the departure of Tommy Craig.

"I take a lot of positives because of the chances we created," Teale told BBC Scotland.

"But the goals we concede are far too easy and I need to change the mentality on that because it can't continue."

And he added: "The boys have plenty of desire, but we need to be a bit more dogged.

"If you lose a goal in training, it's got to mean something then that will hopefully translate on to the pitch."

Celtic manager Ronny Deila said his side could have scored 10 against the Paisley outfit, who are one point adrift of Ross County at the bottom of the Premiership.

Teale's team had chances as well, however, and could have added to the goal scored by Sean Kelly that drew them level, albeit briefly, at 1-1.

"In my time at the club, we have not come here and created as many chances," said Teale.

"Today was a massive ask for us and Celtic could have scored more than they did. With the quality they have, they were always going to create chances."

St Mirren sit bottom a point behind Ross County after their point on Saturday against Motherwell, who are a further two points ahead and are the Buddies' next opponents.

"Next week is a must-win, in my opinion. It's not about the points because we will still have time to come back, but for the confidence it is crucial."

Teale, 36, admitted he has no idea whether he will lead the team out for the match in Paisley against Well.

However, he reiterated his desire to land the position on a full-time basis.

"It's something I'm confident I can do and, if offered the job here, I would be over the moon to accept," Teale added.

"But that's not a decision for me. I've loved every minute of it so far and it's whetted my appetite.

"I'm sitting here is if I will be in charge next weekend, but that can obviously change."