Martin Dowden

St Mirren have begun the Scottish Premiership season with successive wins over Falkirk and St Johnstone, leaving them top of the table without conceding. The strong start contrasts with last season's relegation scare, which ended in play-off survival and has been used by manager Craig McLeish as motivation. McLeish is emphasizing defensive discipline, fitness, energy and consistency, while goalkeeper Jacob Chapman highlighted the team's collective defensive effort. Killian Phillips has scored all three of St Mirren's league goals and is attracting attention as a possible future transfer, although the club is prepared for him to remain until the end of the season.