Tipped for drop but sitting top - St Mirren defying expectations

Getting back to basics seems key for last seasons' League Cup winners, according to manager Craig McLeish. That and using the negative feeling that play-off last season brought as motivation.

"I'm still using that as fuel," he told BBC Scotland. "I don't want to be involved in that.

"We've got a massive journey ahead of us and we have to keep building. Six points out of six is a great start.

"It helps with the belief in each other. I've said to the boys I have confidence in them.

"Last season, we had two horrendous play-off games - even the emotion about it, there were so much nerves when we stepped on the pitch.

"We have to be horrible to play against. Two clean sheets sets us up well for that.

"We want to be really good at the basics and not get bored of that.

"The running, energy and desire. We want to be fit and strong and relentless this season against whoever we play. We have to keep those standards really high. We did it last week and lived up to it again."

It is a sentiment shared by new goalkeeping recruit Jacob Chapman, whose penalty save early in the second half laid the platform before Killian Phillips converted from the spot.

"Defenders throwing their bodies on the line; [Alex] Gogic throwing his head here and everywhere," he told BBC Scotland.

"Even the attackers coming back and helping defend.

"It sets the tempo for the season. It doesn't mean you're going to win every game or even have a great season, but it definitely helps.

"And it's what a great season looks like at the start. We've started well.

"A bit scrappy in some areas and we need to clean that out, but there was still some really nice football getting played in certain areas."

McLeish has not hidden from the idea that St Mirren's model is to develop and move players on.

The standout example right now is Killian Phillips, the 24-year-old midfielder who has scored all three of their Premiership goals this season and is a big influence on the team as a whole.

"He's at the stage right now where he's round about the 100-game mark for the club," he said.

"He'll be looking for the next step in his career.

"If he attracts interest, then great. We're doing our job. I'm doing my job.

"I believe that the longer he stays and plays with me and with us, I'll get him the best move he possibly can.

"And if that's this window then fine. If it's in January, if we get him to the end of the season, it's part of it and we have to be prepared for any outcome.

"But we're just delighted to have him as part of our group. He's a massive part of it. And, if he keeps playing like that, his future takes care of itself."