Jim Goodwin hopes a win side over Celtic on Saturday can spark a run of good form for the Buddies. Prior to the international break, St Mirren lost 2-1 to St Johnstone as the men from Perth notched up theirfifth straight win in a sequence of results which began with a win over Celtic. With seven points between third place and second bottom in the SPL a welcome three points for St Mirren on Saturday could see them climb a number of positions from seventh place. History suggests they may not be guaranteed a win as St Mirren have lost their last six games with Celtic, conceding 14 goals without reply.Goodwin said: "Our aim at the start of the season was top half and I don't think we're going to change that. Second place is definitely up for grabs. There's not an awful lot between all the teams in the division. St Johnstone have proved that if you can put a run of good results together then you can really climb the league fast. Their run started when they beat Celtic about a month ago. Hopefully we can do the same. If we can get the first goal on Saturday that will make a big difference and give us a bit of confidence. We know we're huge underdogs on Saturday, but we're really looking forward to the game, working hard on the training ground and hopefully we can get a good result. We're not just turning up just to get brushed aside again like we have done in the past. We're going to try to give a really good account of ourselves and be positive going into the game."Not wissing as ill-luck on a fellow professional, Goodwin believes the likely absence of Celtic captain Scott Brown could help his side's chances. He said: "Scott Brown is maybe struggling with his hip and we all know how important a player he is to Celtic. He really is the heartbeat of Celtic's team. Hopefully with him missing that will play into our hands. But they have got such strength in depth."Celtic's eye may not be on the ball at the weekend as they Champions League business in Spain next week when they play at Barcelona. This could also prove to be an advantage for Saints. Goodwin said: "They will have their mind on Tuesday night and I hope it is a bit of a distraction for them. It will be a terrific occasion for the Celtic players to play against some of the greatest players in the world and the greatest club side that's probably ever been."
Team P W D L F A W D L F A GD Pts 1 Celtic 8 3 1 0 6 2 2 1 1 8 5 7 17 2 Hibs 9 3 2 0 10 4 1 1 2 5 8 3 15 3 Aberdeen 9 1 4 0 5 4 2 1 1 6 4 3 14 4 St Johnstone 9 2 1 1 5 4 2 1 2 6 7 0 14 5 Motherwell 8 1 2 1 6 5 2 2 0 7 5 3 13 6 Kilmarnock 9 2 1 2 8 7 1 2 1 5 4 2 12 7 St Mirren 9 2 1 1 10 8 1 2 2 5 6 1 12 8 Inverness CT 9 2 2 1 11 7 0 3 1 7 10 1 11 9 Hearts 9 1 1 2 5 6 1 2 2 4 4 -1 9 10 Ross County 9 0 3 1 2 3 1 2 2 6 8 -3 8 11 Dundee Utd 7 2 1 1 6 3 0 1 2 1 7 -3 8 12 Dundee 9 0 0 4 2 8 1 1 3 1 8 -13 4Source: ScottishFitba
Source: FOOTYMAD
