MARC McAUSLAND has backed his St Mirren Buddies to complete a momentous double tomorrow when they travel to Kilmarnock.

It was a landmark occasion for Saints two weeks ago as a Steven Thompson strike gave them their first home league win in a 1-0 victory over Hamilton Accies.

Gary Teale's men weren't in action last weekend due to the William Hill Scottish Cup.

And defender McAusland, who is sidelined through injury, has put his faith in his mates to go one step further and record their first back-to-back three points this season at Rugby Park.

He said: "The boys have been working hard all week and, coming off the back of the result against Hamilton, takes away the burden of not winning at home.

"It was good to get the result and hopefully it will be the first of many in the run-in. We want to go on a run and start stringing wins together and the guys would love to do that against Kilmarnock tomorrow.

"It was also good that Thommo was the one that got the goal. That will give him a boost and hopefully we can carry that on."

It has been a frustrating time for the 26-year-old, who has not been seen in a black and white jersey since the 3-0 defeat at Aberdeen on February 21.

McAusland hurt his knee in the match which exacerbated a tendinitis problem.

He admits it is difficult standing idle as the relegation-threatened Saints march into a crucial part of the season.

But the centre-half is hopeful a return to action won't be too far away. He said: "The first target was the Celtic game in a couple of weeks and things are going well.

"It should be a couple of weeks before I'm back. I don't want to rush it. In saying that, it's frustrating not to be playing. Since January the squad has got bigger and there is more competition for places.

"I just want to get back in about it and play my part in securing our safety. From a personal point of view, I just need to work and get myself fixed up. Hopefully sooner rather than later."