“I believe we are stronger than what we finished with last season.”
Those are the words St Mirren fans will want to hear from manager Stephen Robinson heading into the new campaign, given their fine fifth-placed finish last term returned them to European football after 37 years.
Their first game back in continental competition was a 0-0 draw away to Valur, during which a few of Robinson’s summer signings played key roles – none more so than goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe.
The Brentford loanee’s stunning display in Iceland, coupled with wasteful finishing from both sides, means the tie is in the balance at a sell-out Smisa Stadium on Thursday – an occasion Robinson says his players must “embrace”.
Defender Shaun Rooney missed last week through suspension but will be available for selection for the second leg, while Dennis Adeniran and Roland Idowu will be pushing for starts following their impressive impacts from the bench.
“I believe that the signings will get better, we’re right at the very start of our season,” Robinson said.
“We’ve got some who have done well and hit the ground running, we’ve got others who I believe will get better with game time.
“We set out every window to try and be stronger, and I believe we are stronger than what we finished with last season.”
Stephen Robinson,St Mirren,Ellery Balcombe,Dennis Adeniran,Shaun Rooney
