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Van Zanten helped the Buddies knock Celtic out of the Scottish Communities Cup in the semi-final at Hampden at the end of last month.

And the right-back followed that up with a win over second-placed Inverness Caley Thistle at home last week that triggered a contract extension.

Then at the weekend he played as Danny Lennon's team beat St Johnstone to reach the quarter-final of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

"I have been a part of some great occasions in my time at St Mirren, but I am struggling to remember a better week," the Irishman said.

"Obviously, winning the First Division title in 2006 was great and then staying up in the Premier League the following season was fantastic.

"We came from 2-0 down to Motherwell at Fir Park to win it 3-2 and survive. Dunfermline had been beating Inverness too so it was quite a turnaround.

"But in terms of actual weeks I don't think there has been one that has been as successful in my time here.

"I don't think we are doing anything particularly different from when we were having our run of seven games without a win. We have just been getting the break of the ball."

Van Zanten will remain in Paisley next season after featuring against Caley Thistle last week and said: "I'm delighted. When I signed my last deal I had the clause inserted that if I started 20 league games it would trigger another year.

"That has been in my thoughts all season, so I'm really pleased to know that I'll be spending my ninth season with the club now."

Van Zanten hopes to steer Saints up the table and added: "It will be difficult to keep the run going against Aberdeen as they are a very tough team to play against. They have that classic mix of youth and experience.

"But we knocked them out of the League Cu at Pittodrie earlier in the season and will take confidence from that. The belief is definitely there in the team."