Arabic version: سانت ميرين يستمد من فزع الملحق وقوداً لبداية الموسم

According to BBC News, St Mirren have opened the Scottish Premiership season with successive wins over Falkirk and St Johnstone, without conceding a goal, to move top of the table.

The strong start contrasts with last season, when the Paisley side came through a play-off to retain their top-flight status. Manager Craig McLeish, in his first full season in charge, said the experience remains a source of motivation for his squad.

“I’m still using that as fuel,” McLeish told BBC Scotland. “We’ve got a massive journey ahead of us and we have to keep building. Six points out of six is a great start.” He said the team must be “horrible to play against” and retain high standards in its running, energy and desire.

New goalkeeper Jacob Chapman saved an early second-half penalty against St Johnstone before Killian Phillips scored from the spot. Chapman praised the defensive commitment across the side, while acknowledging there are areas to improve despite the winning start.

Phillips, 24, has scored all three of St Mirren’s Premiership goals this season. McLeish said the midfielder could attract interest as the club develops players and moves them on, but added that St Mirren are delighted to have him in the group.