Jack Baird says he's been blown away by the Buddies support this season ahead of this weekend's derby clash with Morton.
Baird, a stand out in the 0-0 draw with Falkirk last weekend, admits the fan support has been incredible so far this campaign and hopes Saints can continue to reward supporters with a good performance and result in Saturday's derby as he knows how much it matters to them.
Indeed, the defender's recent performances have led to chants of "Bairdy, Bairdy" ringing from the stands over the last few weeks.
He confessed that adulation from the fans is something he wished for growing up.
You can't beat it," he told stmirren.com. "It's what you dream of as a wee kid and I'm really enjoying it.
"The crowd gets better and better every week and it's unbelievable some of the support we get considering we've been through some tough times.
"We are trying to do our best for them because they have stuck by us through those tough times and it's nice to reward them with something. They've been great with me and very supportive.
"It's good playing at home in the derby. We haven't been beaten at home against them since I've been at the club. It's a tough place to come for other teams and that's what we are trying to make it.
"There's more pressure before it because of what it means to the fans and how much it means to us as well. When you get a win it's maybe a bit more enjoyable than any other game. But it's hopefully just another game we can win and keep going well in the league."
Baird's first goal in senior football came against Morton at the Paisley 2021 Stadium back in 2015.
While the Buddies would ultimately go on to draw the match, Baird admits it was a special moment for him and says he wants to create more on Saturday.
It was a big moment for me as it was my first goal and against Morton which was big for me and the club. It was a shame it didn't end up in a win but I've had some decent memories playing against Morton so I'm hoping to carry that into Saturday.
"We're trying not to get caught rather than trying to catch up so every win and draw matters as we try to open up a gap."
The Buddies kept their place at the top of the league after Saturday's 0-0 draw away to Falkirk.
Baird believes it was a good point for the Buddies against a team that will be hard to beat this season.
It's a very tough place to go," he said. "Obviously they've had a very tough start but they will pick up result and take points off teams there.
"It was a hard-fought clean sheet - the second one in a row - and we want to try and keep that going."
