BY KYLE GUNN 

ST MIRREN manager Oran Kearney reckons the international break was helpful for his Buddies - but insists his squad is now ready to return to action.
Kearney’s Saints welcome Kilmarnock to the Simple Digital Arena tomorrow, looking to get all three points for the first time since the opening day of the season.

And the Northern Irishman admitted he was pleased to get some time off and work with his squad. 

READ MORE: Kearney admits bloated St Mirren forced to train as two squads

He said: “Coming off the back of a disappointing result like the Aberdeen game, sometimes it’s good to have a game coming the following Tuesday night, to get it out of the system.

“I think it’s coming to the stage like at the end of pre-season. We have trained enough and we’re ready for a game again.”

The Gazette:

Loanees Nicolai Brock-Madsen (left) and Hayden Coulson were both shown the door by Kearney this week 

The results have not been kind to the Paisley club so far this term but the former Coleraine boss says the work-rate has been second to none since his arrival.

READ MORE: Hayden Coulson sent packing as St Mirren clear out continues

He added: “It’s early days and the league that we play in is a very, very tough league. I have been delighted with the application of players.

“We’ve had a lot of hard work below the belts and not one of them have shirked it. From that point of view, I couldn’t ask any more of the players - and now we need to take that momentum on to the pitch.”