KENNY McLEAN reckons St Mirren's team spirit will stand them in good stead as they bid to climb the Premiership standings this season.

Tommy Craig's side are second-bottom of the table after a shocking start to the campaign and collected only their fourth point in eight games with a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen on Tuesday night.

Craig played down fears over a split in the camp following victory at Partick Thistle last month and McLean insists the Buddies are all in it together this term.

He said: "We are a very tight-knit group and everybody has got each other's back. The togetherness we showed [on Tuesday] proves that.

"When things aren't going well, it's always easy for people to make up rumours about things going on behind the scenes.

"We've already seen those kind of rumours this season but it's just not true.

"The manager has kept us all in good spirits and kept things positive. Training has always been enjoyable.

"We don't take too much notice of these rumours because we behind the scenes and know what it's really like.

"It's strange, I just don't know where these things come from.

"It's obviously someone making it up, which is not nice. It's like people are trying to kick us when we are down.

"However, that draw at Aberdeen will hopefully give us another massive lift and results can start turning our way."

St Mirren looked to be staring another defeat in the face at Pittodrie when Mark Reynolds and Peter Pawlett put the Dons in a commanding position.

Callum Ball pulled one back before McLean's last minute penalty.

The Paisley midfielder netted the winner from the spot at Firhill a fortnight ago and said: "That's twice I've found myself in that position this season and I feel pretty confident stepping up to take those penalties.

"I'm sure there are other guys in the team who would have fancied themselves to score but I feel confident so I will continue to take them."