ST MIRREN boss Tommy Craig believes Steven Thompson's long injury lay-off could be a blessing in disguise.

The striker has barely featured this season after struggling with a groin problem, and went under the knife last month.

Craig expects his captain to return to first-team action at the start of December and hopes that not having to play a full season will allow Thompson to fire on all cylinders for the rest of the campaign.

He said: "Stevie's long spell out has been difficult for me as a manager but it could be a real blessing in disguise for the team when he gets back. When we get him back fit and raring to go he's not got a full season to play, but just half a season.

"So hopefully that'll stand him in good stead, having fewer games to play. We can see if he can rack up a dozen goals in that time. I'd like to think he could be back five games from now, the start of December. That's good as we can see the winning post for him now."

Craig admitted Saints have badly missed their talismanic frontman, with the three forwards signed in the summer - James Marwood, Callum Ball and Ross Caldwell - managing two league goals between them.

The Buddies boss is disappointed with that return but says he signed the trio to play alongside Thommo, not replace him.

He added: "Stevie's been an enormous miss, his leadership qualities and the experience he shares with the younger players.

"The likes of Ross, Callum and James were brought in to partner Stevie. I thought if one of them got injured then I would have another one to go in there.

"Consequently the guy you were banking on to be there to help the other lads is not there. It can't be understated how big a miss he has been for us.

"The goal return from the others is disappointing but Callum, Ross and James would hold their hands up. At different times they have all come in and expressed that. They've said they will still keep getting into the positions and try to finish things off. They need more goals.

"It's also a team thing. Adam Drury has weighed in with three from a midfield position so that's important too. But we are looking for our strikers to be more regular in the scoring stakes."

Saints have come in for supporters' criticism after taking one point from their first six home games but Craig asked the fans to direct any stick at him and not at the players.

"Sometimes we are putting youngsters in at a difficult period when we may have lost a few games. Any adverse chants from the support are aimed at the pitch and sometimes these young players are affected by it.

"I say to the players: 'Leave that side of things to me. I'll deal with it. Let them shout at me if they want to shout.'

"That's the only thing I can do, although it does toughen them up for later on in life. It's never nice but fans will be fans. I understand their disappointment and anger at times but we need them to stick with the players."