Ryan Strain said it was "amazing" to be back out on the pitch after making his long-awaited return from injury.

The 26-year-old made his comeback as a starter in Saturday's 1-1 draw away to Motherwell in the cinch Premiership. 

It's been a long road back for the Australian international having been on the sidelines since November after suffering a serious groin injury while on Socceroos duty. 

Speaking to St Mirren TV after playing the first 45 minutes of Saturday's match, Ryan said: "It was amazing.

"It's tough when you are injured but being back with the lads all day was great for me and I can't wait for the next match. 

It's been a long four months but it was really good to get 45 minutes under my belt.

"I've come off a long injury so I have to get my fitness back and hopefully I can play longer next time out. You can run as much as you want in training but match fitness is big so I can't wait to get more games under my belt and get back to it."

Ryan Strain during Saturday's match (Image: Jeff Holmes)

My body feels good, it feels strong," he continued.

"I've been doing a lot of gym work. Credit to Gerry [Docherty] and Gary [McColl] who have put in the work with me. As I said, I can't wait to play more games and get my match fitness up. 

"I don't think we played our best but it's a point towards the top six. It's a tough place to come so we take the point and go into Hearts confident."

It's Hearts up next for Saints in our final home match before the split and Ryan is looking forward to playing in front of the home support at The SMiSA Stadium.

I can't wait to play in front of the fans again.

"They've been brilliant this year home and away so hopefully it'll be a big turn out again."

Ryan scored the winner the last time Hearts visited The SMiSA Stadium (Image: Allan Picken)

It's another point gained towards our ultimate goal."

Stephen Robinson gives his reaction to today's 1-1 draw at Motherwell. 

St Mirren picked up a point at Fir Park after Marcus Fraser's first goal since October 2021 was cancelled out by a Theo Bair equaliser for Motherwell.

Fraser's first-half header had Saints ahead, but Bair levelled for the hosts with just over 15 minutes remaining to grab a share of the spoils. 

Ryan Strain returned to the starting eleven as he made his first appearance since November. James Bolton also returned from injury after breaking his hand before the international break, while Toyosi Olusanya came in from the start. That meant Charles Dunne and Conor McMenamin dropped to the bench with Ryan Flynn not in the squad. 

The hosts started brightly and went close to opening the scoring on just four minutes when Georgie Gent got in down Saints right-hand side but saw his low effort pushed on to the post by Zach Hemming. Fraser then made a vital defensive intervention on 10 minutes to ensure Blair Spittal couldn't hit the target after being found on the end of a cut-back. 

But Saints almost hit the front just a minute later when Olusanya used his strength to outmuscle Gent to get his shot away. His effort was blocked by the feet of Liam Kelly before Strain's follow-up was deflected into the 'Well goalkeeper's arms. The Buddies should have gone ahead on 15 minutes when Strain's free-kick cracked off the bar and came back out to Mandron, but he headed on to the bar as well before Motherwell managed to deal with the danger.

Stephen Robinson's side would hit the front three minutes later though when Fraser got his head on the end of a corner to nod beyond Kelly and score his first goal of the season. 

Marcus Fraser celebrates after goal against Motherwell (Image: David Henderson)

Saints could have doubled their lead on 34 minutes after the ball fell kindly in the box to the unmarked Scott Tanser but he fired his effort high and wide. Olusanya then had a big opportunity in the final moments in the half when he was found by Tanser, though he couldn't get enough of a connection on his strike which allowed Kelly to gather. 

It was Olusanya again who had a good chance to extend the lead only to be denied by a brilliant defensive block by Dan Casey that helped turn the ball wide. 

Keanu Baccus and Conor McMenamin were introduced just after the hour mark and the former came so close to making it 2-0 with a curling effort from the edge of the area that went inches by the post. 

Those missed opportunities would come back to bite when Theo Bair levelled the scores on 74 minutes. The Canadian forward managed to get in beyond the Saints defence to tap home a Stephen O'Donnell knock down. 

Saints would look to try and grab a winner with substitute Jonah Ayunga forcing a save from Kelly after a low drive on 80 minutes, but the Buddies would have to settle for a point that keeps us five points clear of seventh place Hibernian heading into the final two matches before the split. 

Full-Time: Motherwell 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Hemming, Bolton (Taylor 29), Gogic, Fraser, Strain (Bwomono 46), O'Hara (c), Boyd-Munce (Baccus 61), Tanser, Kiltie, Mandron (Ayunga 78), Olusanya (McMenamin 61)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Dunne, Kwon, Scott

Motherwell: Kelly, McGinn, Casey, Devine (Mugabi 64), O'Donnell (Blaney 87), Zdravkovski, Gent, Spittal, Halliday (Miller 64), Vale (Nicholson 84), Bair
Subs Not Used: Oxborough, Shaw, Moses, Ross, Butcher

Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Assistant Referee: Sean Carr
Assistant Referee: Alastair Taylor
Fourth Official: Peter Stuart
VAR: Grant Irvine

Tickets for our cinch Premiership match away to Celtic on Saturday 13th April are on sale. 

The club has received an initial allocation of around 400 tickets for this match these are available online and at the St Mirren Ticket Office. A limited amount of full view tickets will be sold first. 

Online sales will be available (subject to availability) until 10am until Tuesday 9th April for UK postage and until 10am on Thursday 11th April for ticket office pick-up. Tickets bought using ticket office pick-up must be collected by 12pm on Friday 12th April. Please note that these are all physical tickets, there are no e-tickets available for this match.

Celtic v St Mirren
Competition: cinch Premiership
Date: Saturday 13th April 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Celtic Park

Celtic Ticket Info

Full View

Adults - £33
Concessions* - £23
Under 13s - £14

Restricted View

Adults - £30
Concessions* - £20
Under 13s** - £14

*65+ and U16s
**U13s must be accompanied by an adult

Wheelchair and Carer - £22 (Carer free of charge)

Wheelchair and carer tickets can only be purchased directly from the St Mirren Ticket Office.

St Mirren Ticket Office Tel: (0141) 840-6130.

St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com 

Renfrewshire Foodbank will be taking donations at The SMiSA Stadium prior to our match against Hearts on Saturday 6th April. 

Volunteers will be positioned at each turnstile ready to receive items kindly donated by our wonderful support and collections will be able to be made at the stadium from next week. There will also be collection tins if anyone wishes to make a cash donation.

If you wish to donate please bring tins, jars or packets. Fresh food cannot be accepted. 

Below is a list of the most in need items:

• UHT Milk
• Diluting juice
• Tinned meat
• Tinned fruit
• Cereal
• Tea/Coffee
• Toiletries 
• Cleaning products 

Renfrewshire Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust’s network of foodbanks, working to tackle food poverty and hunger in our local communities, as well as across the UK. In 2022, they distributed 123 tonnes of food to people in crisis. 

To learn more about the Renfrewshire Foodbank and the work that they do please visit www.renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk. 

St Mirren return to cinch Premiership action following the international break with a trip to Motherwell. 

Motherwell vs St Mirren
cinch Premiership
Venue: Fir Park
Date: Saturday 30th March 2024
Kick-off: 3pm

Tickets for the match are only on sale online HERE. Supporters must use this link which will ask you to create an account or login if you have previously created an account on Motherwell's ticketing site. This will show you as an away supporter and display the Tommy McLean Stand only. Full ticket info is available HERE.

You can follow the action on our X page @saintmirrenfc. 

UK subscribers to St Mirren TV can listen to live audio commentary as part of their subscription. St Mirren TV international subscribers can watch live on tv.stmirren.com as part of their subscription. International subscriptions start at £14.99 per month or £149.99 per year for access to all of our cinch Premiership matches. Please note there is no PPV. 

The Well Society has invited Paisley Panda to Fir Park along with 11 SMiSA Junior Bud mascots. Please support the kids in anyway you can.

There will also be half-time entertainment where Motherwell will follow in our footsteps with the popular "Spot the Ball" competition. Some lucky children to be picked from the away stand to take part.

• Away turnstiles will open at 2pm and search lanes will be in place prior to entering the stadium.
• Kiosks will be contactless and cash.
• There will be no cash turnstiles on the day but tickets will be available for purchase at the ticket pod at the South Stand if needed.
• Can collection outside the stadium on match day for the Well Society.
• Coaches to park in the road at the South Stand as usual. Please follow any police/steward instructions. The SMDSA bus will be allowed entry behind the South Stand.
• Flags should be within regulations and must have a fire certificate. No offensive or political flags will be allowed. Please display all flags/banners to the CCTV cameras before entering the stadium. No surfing banners allowed.
• No balaclavas or face coverings will be allowed on entering or within the stadium. Refusal of entry/ejection will occur if face coverings are seen.
• No pyro! No megaphone!
• No bags bigger than A4 allowed unless medical requirements. Please email slo@stmirren.com.
• No surfing banners or telescopic poles allowed.
• Drum will be searched and must fit through turnstile.
• Any inebriated fans will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
• No smoking anywhere inside the stadium.

Street Stuff will be delivering Sport and wellbeing activities during the school holidays, at various targeted locations throughout Renfrewshire with the provision of a Hot Healthy Meal which is free to all participants.  

(Booking Required - Please click HERE)

Week 1

Tuesday 2nd April

Linwood High School

Gleniffer High School

Wednesday 3rd April

Linwood High School

West Johnstone Shared Campus

Thursday 4th April

Gleniffer High School

West Johnstone Shared Campus

Friday 5th April

Glencoats Primary School

St James Primary School (Renfrew)

Gallowhill Primary School

Week 2

Monday 8th April

Glencoats Primary School

St James Primary School (Renfrew)

Gallowhill Primary School

Tuesday 9th April

Linwood High School

Gleniffer High School

Wednesday 10th April

Linwood High School

West Johnstone Shared Campus

Thursday 11th April

Gleniffer High School

West Johnstone Shared Campus

Friday 12th April

Glencoats Primary School

St James Primary School (Renfrew)

Gallowhill Primary School

Street Stuff Evening Activities

Our evening activities will take place across Renfrewshire, and anyone aged 8-16 is welcome to join in and it is all for FREE.

All activities will take place outdoors and a healthy snack will be provided to ensure all participants are fuelled up and ready to go. (No Booking Required)

Monday 1st April (6:30pm-9:30pm)

Our Lady of Peace Primary School – Linwood

The Cage - Shortroods

Tuesday 2nd April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Gallowhill Community Centre

Greenend Avenue - Johnstone

Wednesday 3rd April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Morar Drive - Foxbar

Thursday 4th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Gallowhill Community Centre

Shortroods – The Cage

Foxbar Youth Drop In* – Foxbar

*6:00pm-8:00pm

Friday 5th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Bargarran Primary School – Erskine

Skye Crescent - Glenburn

Saturday 6th April (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Our Lady of Peace Primary School - Linwood

Monday 8th April (6:30pm-9:30pm)

Our Lady of Peace Primary School – Linwood

The Cage - Shortroods

Tuesday 9th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Gallowhill Community Centre

Greenend Avenue - Johnstone

Wednesday 10th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Morar Drive - Foxbar

Thursday 11th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Gallowhill Community Centre

Shortroods – The Cage

Foxbar Youth Drop In* – Foxbar

*6:00pm-8:00pm

Friday 12th April (6:30pm-9:00pm)

Bargarran Primary School – Erskine

Skye Crescent - Glenburn

Saturday 13th April (5:30pm-8:30pm)

Our Lady of Peace Primary School - Linwood

St Mirren return to cinch Premiership action following the March international break.

The Buddies head to Fir Park to face Motherwell in league duty with just three matches to go before the split.

Saints will be looking to bounce back after our 5-2 defeat away to Kilmarnock before the break. Despite that loss, Stephen Robinson's men have been in good form with three wins and a draw in our previous six league matches. 

Motherwell will also be keen to get back to winning ways to try and keep their slim top six hopes alive. A 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen before the break sees Stuart Kettlewell's side sitting in eighth place - six points behind sixth place Hibernian with three matches to play. 

The Steelmen are also in decent form heading into Saturday's match having won away to both Rangers (2-1) and Livingston (3-1) prior to their loss against Aberdeen. 

Match Details

Motherwell v St Mirren
Competition: cinch Premiership
Date: Saturday 30th March 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: Fir Park

Ticket Info

Tickets for the match are only on sale online HERE. Supporters must use this link which will ask you to create an account or login if you have previously created an account on Motherwell's ticketing site. This will show you as an away supporter and display the Tommy McLean Stand only. 

Full ticket info is available HERE.

International subscribers to St Mirren TV can watch the match live on tv.stmirren.com as part of their subscription. UK subscribers can listen to live audio commentary. There is no PPV available.

Previous 

Neither side could be separated in the last meeting between the two with the game finishing 0-0 at The SMiSA Stadium in December. 

The Buddies were victorious in our last visit to Fir Park with Scott Tanser's second-half volley enough to secure a 1-0 win for Saints back in September.

Saints also prevailed when the sides met in Paisley in the Viaplay Cup in the first meeting between the two this season. Caolan Boyd-Munce's first St Mirren goal was enough to ensure a 1-0 victory at the last 16 stage. 

The officials

Matthew MacDermid is the referee on Saturday and he'll be assisted by Sean Carr and Alastair Taylor. Peter Stuart is Fourth Official.

Grant Irvine is the video assistant referee (VAR) and he's assisted by Alan Mulvanny. 

The St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation will be hosting their annual 'Saints Sleep Out' at The SMiSA Stadium on Friday 22nd March 2024 in support of Shelter Scotland. 

Participants will sleep pitch side overnight at The SMiSA Stadium to raise money for the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation and the charity Shelter Scotland. 

St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation Chief Executive Gayle Brannigan, who will be one of the 15 people taking part in the sleep out, told stmirren.com: "Shelter Scotland do incredible work in providing safe homes for families who are facing homelessness and the devastating effects of that. They do phenomenal work in Scotland and it's a charity partnership that we really value. 

"Our brilliant fans and volunteers taking part in the sleep out will face a very wet and windy night from 7pm until 7am. They will be bringing their sleeping bags and waterproofs and lying out pitchside for the night.  

Last year the fans were incredible in raising over £7000. We know times are tough with the cost of living crisis so any and all fundraising is greatly appreciated."

Total fundraising will be split equally between the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation and Shelter Scotland. The funds that go towards the St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation will be used to help create sensory packs for young supporters with autism, assisted support needs or those who just feel overwhelmed coming to matches. The funds will also go towards supporting Panda Club next season. 

You can donate to the cause by visiting St Mirren FC Charitable Foundation's JustGiving page at THIS LINK. You can also share the links on social media. 

To find out more about Shelter Scotland please visit scotland.shelter.org.uk 

Header Image: Northern Ireland

Caolan Boyd-Munce is hoping for his first senior cap for Northern Ireland this week after being named in Michael O'Neill's squad for the international break. 

The 24-year-old has been selected for the matches against Romania and Scotland and could line up alongside his cousin and Saints teammate Conor McMenamin who was also named in the squad. 

The Saints midfielder has been in the Northern Ireland squad on four occasions but has yet to make his senior bow for his national side. 

Speaking to the press last week, Caolan said: "My next step has to be to get my first cap.

"I think this is my fourth call-up but it’s the first one where I have been in from the start. The others I’ve been on stand-by.

I do feel ready for it. I feel comfortable with where I’m at. I’m understanding the game a lot more up here.

"I have come through the academy since I was 10 or 11 so to play for the senior team would be brilliant. I’ve been involved for 13 years. We’ll see what happens."

Caolan could also get his first taste of playing at Hampden as Northern Ireland take on Scotland on Tuesday 26th March.

I’d be getting booed left, right and centre and that would be from my team-mates watching! Under the lights at Hampden would be some experience."