TOMMY CRAIG declared himself pleased with his men's efforts against St Johnstone - despite the 1-0 defeat leaving St Mirren still in relegation trouble.

Michael O'Halloran's winner in Paisley heaped more pressure on Craig, with his side level with Ross County at the foot of the table.

But Craig said his players' performance has boosted his confidence as they gear up for Sunday's trip to Celtic Park.

"I can base my whole week on what the players gave me on Saturday," he said. "Not one shirked out, not one player did not want the ball and to that end, I was pleased."

Steven Thompson lasted just 45 minutes but the coach played down fears that the skipper had suffered a repeat of the groin injury which kept him out for almost three months.

Craig said: "It was fatigue more than anything else. It was always going to be a bit of a gamble playing him three times in a week … he was just showing signs of tiredness so we decided to take him off."