Ross: Let’s battle to stay in top six

Nov 4 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS star Jack Ross is hoping the Buddies can hand themselves the ideal Christmas present a place in the top six of the SPL come the start of the new year.

Ross reckons St Mirrens results between now and the festive season will make or break the Paisley clubs season.

And he is determined to make sure the Buddies are enjoying a lofty position in the SPL table by the time 2010 arrives, rather than worrying about another relegation battle this season.

Ross told Express Sports: Anything we get just now takes the pressure off at the end of the season.

What we do at the moment more or less defines where will be come March or April. Its still early in the season and the table hasnt really settled down yet but, when it does, we want to be fighting it out for a top six place.

We are all ambitious at this club and having aspirations of merely avoiding relegation just isnt on.

Saints have made an impressive start to the 2009/10 campaign and currently sit in sixth place eight points clear of bottom dogs Falkirk.

Ross said: Thats where we want to be consolidating in mid-table rather than slogging it out in the basement.

Ive been there before with both Saints and Falkirk and, believe me, its not a nice place to be.

Weve enjoyed a decent start to the season and have either won or drawn matches where we maybe havent played particularly well, which is a far cry from last term.

It means so much to be in the SPL these days in terms of income.

The club has made rapid strides off the park recently and its up to the players to make sure we remain a part of the top flight.

There is a great belief and desire within the squad to stay exactly where we are, to kick on and set even higher standards.

The tough-tackling right-back started this season well before suffering a dip in form three or four weeks into the campaign.

Scotland B cap Ross, who played in last Saturdays disappointing defeat against Hamilton, despite suffering from a sickness bug, said: I set myself high standards and take my football seriously so, if Im not performing well, I want to know why. I tend to analyse my performances and work harder in training to put things right.

Saints are now gearing up for Saturdays trip to Ibrox and Ross insists that is exactly the type of game his Buddies should be relishing.

Thats what being in the SPL is all about, he said.

Its a chance to pit your wits against the best teams and the best players and it also affords the opportunity to see where youre at with your own game.