St Mirren youngster Kyle Magennis has asked fans to remain calm and be patient with the squad, as they are about to embark on this season's Premiership campaign.
The Buddies have failed to win a game in the group stage of the Betfred Cup so far, but have yet to lose also. Three draws have resulted in three penalty shoot-out wins for Alan Stubbs' side, which has gained them three extra bonus points. The Paisley side currently sit second in Group H on six points.
Saturday's game against Dumbarton at The Simple Digital Arena will be the final group game, but Magennis knows the team have to up their game if they want to progress further in the tournament.
He said: "The fans come to see us perform and they want to see us win.
"It is disappointing that we have not won a game in the group yet but we have won the penalty shootouts and have six points, so I’m sure they are happy with that.
"I just ask that they stay patient in the Premiership – it is not going to be as smooth sailing as it was last year.
"I’m pretty sure we can hold our own and get some good results."
It's not been the smoothest of starts for Alan Stubbs since he took over in June, but the squad remain optimistic than they can turn their fortunes around in time for the start of the league.
He continued: "I think it was always going to be tough but the manager has come in and he has been brilliant.
"He has got a good team spirit going, training has been good, so I don’t see why we can’t go and do well like last year.
"He was disappointed just like everybody else, but we go on to the next game.
"Results don’t go your way but qualifying is the main thing so we have to bounce back on Saturday."
Tuesday's game against Queens Park at Hampden was the first run out the Academy graduate has had in pre-season, due to an ankle injury he picked up on the team's first day back at training after the summer.
He added: "I have had a hard pre-season – again. I had an injury this time last year but thankfully it wasn’t as bad as that.
"They were just minor injuries so it is good to be back at it.
"I had a groin problem and then my first day back training I rolled my ankle.
"I’ve had ankle problems for the past four years so I’m lucky that it wasn’t too bad.
"The result wasn’t great but it was good for me to get minutes and I’m hoping that I can get more game-time on Saturday in preparation for the league games starting."
