St Mirren

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St Mirren have taken up an option to extend Elvis Bwomono's contract, keeping the Ugandan defender at the club until the summer of 2025.

The 25-year-old originally signed on a short-term deal in December of last year and has made 13 appearances to date.

"I believe Elvis will get better and better," manager Stephen Robinson said.

"He's still young, a Ugandan international as well, and we're looking forward to developing him next season. I'm delighted he's signed the extension.

"Elvis has been part of some very good results when he first came in. He's had a little bit of an illness and a niggle as well, while Ryan Strain has come back into the team but it's great to have that competition. It's also another bit of solidity for next season."

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Stephen Robinson says St Mirren fans can "dream" of a European adventure, but insists there's still work to do for his side.

Victory over fourth-placed Kilmarnock on Saturday, coupled with Dundee failing to win at Tynecastle, would secure the Buddies a first trip to the continent in 37 years.

But Robinson is making clear they still have to cross the line despite a comfortable gap to Dundee in sixth.

“It was important last week that we got a win to get a little bit of distance between us and Dundee,” the manager said.

"But it is certainly not over. I will reiterate that. There is still a lot to play for, nine points.

“Nothing was decided on the game last week so it is important we pick up points on Saturday. We haven’t got enough points to be in Europe yet.

“That is for fans to dream of, for everyone to get excited about, here within the dressing room, as soon as Monday came we had points to gain to confirm that position."

Kilmarnock travel to Paisley knowing avoiding defeat will all but seal their spot in fourth, with Robinson expecting an rowdy crowd.

"These are the games you enjoy," he said. "We will have a full house in the stadium. It is meant to be a sunny day as well so there will be a carnival atmosphere.

“Derek McInnes has done a fantastic job, he deserves every bit of credit. They have been fantastic. They are a difficult team to play against.

“I thought Derek recruited well at the start of the season and so it has been proved, but we aim to get three points to push them all the way.”

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• St Mirren remain without a win in their last seven league meetings with Kilmarnock (D4 L3) since a 2-0 victory in February 2021.

• Kilmarnock have won their last two league visits to St Mirren and have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three (W2 D1).

• St Mirren have lost five of their last eight home league games (W3), as many as their previous 27 beforehand (W14 D8 L5). All five of those defeats have been against the four sides currently above the Buddies in the table (2 v Rangers, 1 v Kilmarnock, Celtic, Hearts).

• Kilmarnock are unbeaten in their last 15 Scottish Premiership matches against sides other than the Old Firm, winning eight and drawing seven since losing 1-0 to Hearts in December. This is the longest unbeaten run against non-Old Firm sides by a non-Old Firm club in the top flight since Aberdeen went 22 without defeat from October 2014 to April 2015.

• Kilmarnock’s Derek McInnes has only lost one of his 31 top-flight matches as a manager against St Mirren (W14 D16), a 1-0 defeat with Aberdeen in August 2019.

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Stephen Robinson says he still has "hope" of retaining some of St Mirren's out-of-contract players ahead of next season.

The Paisley club extended the deal of defender Alex Gogic earlier this week, but talents such as Ryan Strain and Keanu Baccus could still leave for free in the summer.

With his side on the cusp of European football, Robinson admits he is looking at back-up plans in terms of recruitment.

"The English season's only just finished, the play-offs are ongoing at the moment," he said.

"We're speaking to numerous people. We're still speaking to people within the football club.

"We haven't given up hope of people who are out of contract, but at this stage, there's only a certain amount you can go to.

"You have to have a plan B, C, D, E, F that goes all the way down. We're doing that, a lot of credit has to go to my head of recruitment, Martin Foy. He's pulling rabbits out the hat.

"We've got plenty of things ongoing, some that hopefully will be sooner rather than later, but I'm wary of saying that because I've said before and people have let me down."

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St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media ahead of his side's crucial clash with Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• Admits there was "competition" for the signature of Alex Gogic, but he was always "quietly confident" of retaining the Cypriot, who this week signed a three-year contract extension.

• Believes Gogic will have a "big part to play" in the club's future and his fitness levels justify the length of the deal despite being 30.

• Hasn't "given up hope" of keeping other out-of-contract players, but says there's "only so far you can go".

• Expects a "carnival atmosphere" against Killie and says his side will relish a big game in their quest for European qualification.

• Praises recent performances but was glad to get the result to back it up at Dens Park, though insists Dundee aren't out the race yet.

• Ryan Strain was sent home from training with a knock and will be assessed, while Greg Kiltie and Scott Tanser have sat out this week. Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Jonah Ayunga are out for the season, though Elvis Bwomono is back in contention.

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St Mirren defender Alex Gogic says he "loves everything about Scotland" after extending his stay with the club.

The Cyprus international's previous deal was due to expire in the summer, but has signed a new contract in Paisley until 2027, and he has been reminiscing about his journey to this point.

“I didn’t (think about playing in Scottish football) when I was younger,” he said.

“My agent called me and asked if I wanted to try out at Hamilton. I said yes, I would rather play in the top division in Scotland than lower leagues in England.

“I think my trial with the under-23s was against Rangers and the second one was against Ross County so I went to the Highlands on trial.

“It was good – I got four seasons in one day as well. Football-wise it was good. I loved every minute of it.

“I love everything about Scotland, the people, the country – not the weather but I am used to it now. When the sun is out you can’t beat Scotland.”

With three Scottish Premiership fixtures remaining, Gogic wants St Mirren to go one better than last season's sixth-placed finish and secure European football.

Stephen Robinson's side sit fifth, five points ahead of Dundee and six behind Kilmarnock.

“Last season we finished in the top six but after the split we only got two points," the 30-year-old said.

“The gaffer’s point was we have to do better this season. With the quality we have and the quality I see every day I think European football should be our goal.

“Obviously the club is not the biggest in Scotland with budget and stuff but with the quality the gaffer has brought in we should be able to do that.

“I have always dreamed of playing in Europe. It would be amazing. I have played with my national team and to play with my club team would be a different feeling.”

St Mirren host Kilmarnock on Saturday as they look to keep hopes of a fourth-placed finish alive.

Who would you like to see start for Stephen Robinson's side? Pick your St Mirren XI here.

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Manager Stephen Robinson says St Mirren went "all out" to keep Alex Gogic amid interest from clubs in Scotland and England.

The Cyprus international, 30, was due to be out of contract at the end of the season - and recently said talks over his future were on hold - but now has extended his stay in Paisley until 2027.

"It’s a statement of intent from us going forward," Robinson said.

"He’s certainly had other options both in Scotland and England, but he chose to stay here. He’s very happy here, his family are very happy here and he knows the group of boys we’ve got are going to keep improving.

"We’ve gone all out to ensure he stays. Goga has been exceptional this season and the season previously. He’s like two players in one because he can play in numerous positions.

"He’s vital in terms of building the club and taking it forward."

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Alex Gogic says he is putting contract talks on hold as the St Mirren defender puts his full focus on helping the club secure a European place.

The 30-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of this season, has been key in the Paisley side's second straight top-six finish.

Reports, external suggest the Cypriot is set to commit his long-term future to the club, but Gogic says he wants no distractions.

"I just want to focus and hit the target of trying to get into Europe," he said. "[Contract talks] can wait and we will decide after we get into Europe.

"Since I came here the first time on loan, I've enjoyed every minute of it. And I’m still enjoying it. We will see what the future holds."

On the prospect of claiming the final European spot, Gogic added: "We are not quite there yet. We know how important the [Dundee] win is, but there are still three more games to go."

Mark Jardine
Fan writer

Confined to the couch over the weekend with a bout of flu, you'll forgive me for first thinking I was in some blissful fever dream when St Mirren crashed into a three-goal lead at Dundee.

No such luck for the chasing Dark Blues; the deficit was real and the big occasion had gone the way of Stephen Robinson and his men.

In his post-match comments, the Saints manager made reference to that all-too recent Rugby Park collapse.

Saturday's devastating away performance, ruthless confidence and tactical shifts were no accident. These were lessons learned in a hard manner, active choices made in pursuit of seeing through a two-goal lead on a potentially season-defining weekend.

When the Northern Irishman declares "We're dragging every last bit out of this group, and they're dragging every last bit out of themselves", you can see the evidence.

You can see Alex Gogic giving all he has to the shirt at both ends of the pitch. You can see Caolan Boyd-Munce add steely grit to his trademark playmaking because that's what the team demands.

You can see Zach Hemming throwing himself and committing every last centimetre of his frame in covering his goalmouth. You can see Toyosi Olusanya chase every loose touch, every long ball, every lost cause. You can see Mark O'Hara recapture the influence and impact that has so defined his time with the armband in Paisley.

More than any of that, perhaps, you can see this attitude mirrored and amplified from the stands. A characteristically large and vocal travelling support followed the buddies from Paisley to Dens, electric from the off and playing their part passionately.

The scenes of joy at the end of this all-important clash were special, the type that make all the rest worth it in following a team with no guarantee of success or rewards.

Reflecting on that Kilmarnock disappointment in front of 2,500-plus travelling fans, Robinson made use of the experience in his team-talk.

"Don't let them down, go embrace it" he claims to have said, and, boy, did they listen.

Mark Jardine can be found at Misery Hunters, external

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St Mirren knew they had a huge game on their hands with a trip to Dens Park, and they rose to the occasion.

The Buddies were brilliant from the first whistle. They came flying out of the traps, and you could see Stephen Robinson wanted to take the game to sixth-placed Dundee.

They used that momentum throughout the game and were worthy winners at a tough venue.

Robinson made it clear he wanted progression from last season’s top-six finish and he seems to have done that.

It’s a phenomenal job the Northern Irishman has done. To replicate last season’s finish is really hard to do. He’s one of the top managers in the league.

Former Scotland goalkeeper Cammy Bell was speaking to BBC Sport Scotland's George O'Neill.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

It was a big day for St Mirren defenders at Dens Park on Saturday.

Scott Tanser has been a consistent performer in a consistent Buddies side this campaign, earning a moment of glory with his drilled finish to down Dundee.

But, what more can we say about Alex Gogic?

The Cypriot centre-half seems to be outstanding every single week, so it was fitting he was the one to get his side moving in a huge clash in the race for Europe.

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Stephen Robinson says St Mirren must continue to "play without pressure" in their remaining Scottish Premiership games.

The Paisley side are on course for European football next season after a 3-1 over Dundee on Saturday strengthened their grip on fifth place.

“That’s what you pay your money for, you pay your money to dream,” he said.

“It’s been 37 years since we were in Europe and 40-odd years since we were top six twice in a row.

“You have to enjoy these times, and why not? But my job is to stay grounded and keep the players grounded.

“We need to continue to play without pressure because nobody expected this from us bar the dressing room.

"We expected it and we expect to continue to win games towards the end of the season."