St Mirren have begun the Scottish Premiership season with consecutive wins and clean sheets against Falkirk and St Johnstone, placing them top of the table after a difficult previous campaign. Manager Craig McLeish says last season’s relegation play-off scare is motivating the team to improve their resilience, fitness and defensive standards.

Goalkeeper Jacob Chapman saved a second-half penalty against St Johnstone before Killian Phillips converted one himself to secure the win. Phillips, 24, has scored all three of St Mirren’s league goals so far, and McLeish accepts strong performances may attract transfer interest as the club looks to develop players.