Oran Kearney reflects on a tough night for Saints away to league leaders Celtic.

St Mirren make the short trip to Celtic Park for our first Ladbrokes Premiership match of 2019.

FORM

Saints got the year started on Saturday with a dramatic 3-2 win over Alloa Athletic to progress to the Fifth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. 

The Buddies fell 1-0 behind when Alan Trouten struck for the visitors. Saints were then reduced to 10 men when Brad Lyons was giving a second yellow card for perceived simulation. The Wasps doubled their lead a few minutes later courtesy of a cracking strike from Kevin Cawley. 

But Oran Kearney's side roared back in the second half with Cody Cooke, Ethan Erhahon and Kyle McAllister scoring in a 19 minute spell to cap a remarkable comeback and send Saints through. 

Celtic's 2019 began with a routine 3-0 victory over League One side Airdrieonians at Celtic Park on Saturday. Scott Sinclair scored twice with Timothy Weah grabbing a third to see Celtic add their name to the hat for the next round. 

Saints' last match in the Ladbrokes Premiership came at the end of 2018 with a narrow 2-1 loss away to Kilmarnock. Celtic ended 2018 with a defeat also - 1-0 against Rangers at Ibrox. 

The Buddies picked up their first away win in the league last month when Simeon Jackson's second half goal gave us a 1-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park. Celtic, meanwhile, have won nine of nine league games at home this season scoring 26 goals, conceding just four. 

PREVIOUS

 St Mirren and Celtic have met once this season, back in September for Oran Kearney's first match as Saints manager. 

The Buddies impressed that night at The Simple Digital Arena as we battled to a 0-0 draw with Brendan Rodgers' side. 

Tonight's visit to Celtic Park is Saints' first since a Scottish Cup tie in March 2017. The Buddies caused Celtic a scare - going 1-0 up through Harry Davis and coming inches away from doubling the lead in the second half when a Stevie Mallan free kick was deflected off the underside of the bar. But goals from Mikael Lustig, Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths sent Celtic through to the semi-final. 

Saints' last league visit to Celtic Park came over four years ago with Gary Teale taking charge of the Buddies for the first time. Sean Kelly scored for St Mirren on 10 minutes to cancel out Scott Brown's early goal, but the Hoops again ran out 4-1 winners.

St Mirren's last win over Celtic was the 3-2 semi-final win at Hampden on our way to League Cup glory back in 2013. Our last league win against the Hoops was the famous 4-0 win at the Simple Digital Arena in 2010 where Andy Dorman and Steven Thomson hit doubles. 

WHAT A WIN WOULD MEAN

St Mirren could move up to 10th place above Hamilton this evening if we defeat Celtic and Hamilton fail to beat Aberdeen. 

Celtic, who sit top level on points with Rangers but ahead on goal difference, will be looking for three points to keep them at the top of the pile.

TEAM NEWS 

Saints will still be without Danny Mullen, Kyle Magennis, Danny Rogers, Cammy MacPherson and Gary MacKenzie due to injury. 

Jim Kellermann could return to the Saints squad after receiving international clearance following his loan spell at Fylde AFC.

Celtic are missing Kieran Tierney, Leigh Griffiths, Daniel Arzani and Eboue Kouassi while new signing Vakoun Issouf Bayo has yet to receive international clearance. 

St Mirren Football Club is pleased to confirm that we have successfully appealed Brad Lyons’ second yellow card from Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Alloa Athletic.

The midfielder was shown a second booking for perceived simulation. But following a hearing this morning, the booking has been overturned meaning Brad will be available for our Fifth Round tie against Dundee United.

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday 23rd January), St Mirren head along the M8 to Glasgow for a Ladbrokes Premiership match-up with Celtic at Celtic Park.

The info on Travel Clubs heading to Celtic Park for the match is as follows:

North End Travel Club

The bus to Parkhead will leave St James' Street at 6:45pm.

We are sharing a bus with the Chivas Club for this match.

There are limited seats available for non-members - please speak to Lawson at The Brewer's Tap for availability.

Chivas Travel Club

We are sharing a bus with the North End Club for this match.

The bus will leave the Court Bar at 6:45pm.

Non members tickets are on sale from the Court Bar.

Cockles Wilson Supporters Bus

We are sharing a bus with the Tile Bar for the game at Parkhead.

We will be leaving Central Way at 6:45pm.

If you would like to travel on the bus please contact Fraser Burns on Facebook or twitter.

Tile Bar Supporters Bus

The Tile Bar and the Bankhouse are sharing a bus for the trip to Celtic.

The bus will leave Central Way at 6:45pm.

Tile Bar members please note we will not be leaving from Abercorn Street.

Any spare tickets will be on sale from the Bankhouse only.

St Mirren travel to Glasgow on Wednesday evening to face Celtic at Celtic Park in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

 * - Under 13s attending the match must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets for this match are on sale from the St Mirren Ticket Office.

Please note that the tickets must be purchased in advance – there will be no sales on the night of the game.

The St Mirren Ticket Office (Main Stand) opening hours in the build up to this match are as follows:

Tue, 22nd Jan: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Wed, 23rd Jan: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130.
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com.

Additional Information for Travelling Fans

The referee on Wednesday is Euan Anderson and he will be assisted by David McGeachie and Paul O'Neill. The Fourth Official will be Craig Thomson. 

One of the key goals of St Mirren FC Community Trust is tackling obesity within Renfrewshire.

We know that ‘movement is medicine’ and that’s why we are delighted to announce that the life changing programme, Football Fans in Training is returning for 2019-2020 here within the inspiring surroundings of The Simple Digital Arena.

The SPFL Trust’s course runs for 13-weeks and differs to the normal "weight loss" programmes out there, offering advice and practical ways to make changes to your lifestyle and the best part....St Mirren fans can sign up now for free! 

The men's programme is now FULL, but we still have places available on the women's programme.

From good ideas about what and how much to eat, tips on changing your lifestyle, or introducing simple opportunities to exercise everyone can be a winner at FFIT.

The main aims of the programme are to: 

• Feel better about yourself
• Become more active
• Lose weight & tone up
• Develop a healthier lifestyle
• Get fit & have more energy
• Improve your physical, mental & emotional wellbeing.

If you are a woman aged between 35-65 with a waist size of 38 inches or more, FFIT may be just the ticket to help you kick-off your new year with a new you and healthier lifestyle.

Every 90-minute session contains a different topic, which includes managing your alcohol consumption, understanding food labels and balancing your diet. There is also a physical component to each session. This can be a gentle walk, a circuit session with our fully trained, friendly and motivational coaching staff or a game of football.

FFIT is open to those who enjoy football and those who just want make positive changes to their health. You do not need to be a supporter of St Mirren to take part in the course and more importantly you will make friends and have great fun!

To register your details for this FREE life improving course please email:

Gayle.brannigan@stmirren.com or Call Gayle Brannigan on 0141 889 2558 before our closing date on January 21st.

Thank you and #BeFFIT

A gallery of pictures from the Westmarch Suite following St Mirren's win over Alloa Athletic in the William Hill Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Thanks to our match sponsor Maximum Approach and match ball sponsor Ultimate Home Solutions.

Gallery pictures by Allan Picken © - Allan Picken Photography

St Mirren will host Dundee United in the Fifth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

We are pleased to announce that our match day hospitality packages for the match are now on sale.

The corporate hospitality details for the match are as follows:

St Mirren v Dundee United
William Hill Scottish Cup
Venue: The Simple Digital Arena, Paisley
Date: Saturday 9th February 2018
Kick-off: 3:00pm (subject to change)

* Arrive 12:30pm.

* Private car parking facility.

* Enter through the exclusive Westmarch Hospitality Suite entrance.

* Hostess table service.

* Three Course meal accompanied by wine.

* Accreditation in the match day magazine.

* Exclusive match day competitions.

* Match day magazine and corporate team sheets.

* Premium Match Ticket (Season tickets are not valid for Scottish Cup Ties)

* Exclusive Q&A with matchday Ambassadors.

* Executive seating in Main Stand.

* Half-time hot and cold snacks served with tea or coffee.

* Post Match presentations by the Match Sponsors' Man of the Match.

* Post Match visit to the lounge by players.

* Inclusive drinks package both pre and post match.*

* Last Orders: 5:30pm.

* Bar Closes: 5:45pm

* Hospitality Concludes: 6:00pm.

Cost per person: £85 + VAT (drinks inclusive)*

Cost per person: £60 + VAT (pay bar)

Children: £35 + VAT

To reserve your package please contact Commercial Manager, Campbell Kennedy on 0141 840 1337 or email commercial@stmirren.com

To book your place from our e-store please click here.

MENU

Sweet potato and smoked paprika soup  
served with petit pan

*****

Roast topside of beef served with Yorkshire Pudding,
roast potatoes, baby carrots and green beans

Vegetable Lasagne with garlic bread (Vegetarian)

Chicken goujons with chips (Children)

*****

 Truffle Torte with a Gold Shimmering Profiterole             

*****

Freshly brewed Tea & Coffee

*****

St Mirren Football Club can confirm that Cole Kpekawa has left the club by mutual consent. 

The English defender signed a two-year deal with the club in July after a trial period and made eight appearances for the Buddies.

We would like to wish Cole all the best in his future career. 

St Mirren have been drawn to face Dundee United in the Fifth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup. 

Saints will face United at the Simple Digital Arena on the weekend of 9th/10th February 2019.

The Buddies booked their place in the Fifth Round after a remarkable comeback victory against Alloa Athletic at the Simple Digital Arena yesterday afternoon.

Ticket arrangements will be announced in due course.