Kyle Magennis said he was thrilled to learn about the reception he received from Saints fans as he made his comeback on Saturday - because he didn't actually hear it initially.
The 19 year-old made his return from injury as a late substitute in Saturday's 2-0 win over Dumbarton at the YOUR Radio 103FM Stadium.
But he confessed he was so concentrated on the game that he didn't hear the supporters despite their raucous reaction as he replaced Lewis Morgan on 84 minutes.
I didn't really hear it to be honest because I was so focused on the game," he told stmirren.com.
"Stephen McGinn told me the supporters were chanting 'Ginto' so I was buzzing. I wish there was a video to look back on it because I can't even remember them cheering.
"The supporters have backed me since I first made my debut and I saw all their messages on Twitter. It's brilliant to finally be back and hopefully I can keep performing well for them.
"I only found out I'd be on the bench on Friday," he continued. "The gaffer brought me in and asked if I felt alright and I told him I felt fine. It was brilliant news to be back in.
"I was happy despite it only being five minutes. I did feel a wee bit leggy on Saturday but I don't know if that was the pitch or my fitness."
It's been a long road to recovery for the teenager after being injured in a friendly against Dundee in July.
Magennis, who started his pre-season late after starring for Scotland U20s in Toulon, admitted it had been a frustrating time after making his breakthrough last season.
However, he believed it was important keep positive about the situation and use the time wisely after a chat with the manager.
It's been a long few months," he said. "Even pre-season I came back late so I didn't quite get the start I was looking for. But it's brilliant to be back and hopefully I can get some more game time.
"I spoke to the gaffer when I first got injured and he told me to use the time wisely to build up. I was a wee bit skinny and it was something I needed to add to my game.
"It was initially only going to be six to nine weeks but I had a few setbacks. I just had to wait until it was right and then I got an injection to help me get back into it.
"It's hard when you are coming in every day and seeing the boys training, having a good time and you're in the gym doing weights. But you have to keep positive and try to think of other things."
The midfielder returns to a team that sits atop of the Ladbrokes Championship after having won seven of their first nine matches of the season.
The win on Saturday saw the Buddies accumulate 21 points in the first quarter of fixtures, achieving the target they set before the start of the season.
It's a far cry from what the youngster has been used to after making his Saints debut while the side were rooted to the bottom of the league last campaign.
It's been a complete turnaround," he said.
"At the end of last season the gaffer took us in and spoke to us about targets and we achieved them.
"It's good because we set them ourselves and if we don't achieve them then it looks bad on us. I think it's a good way to keep us focused."
