TOMMY CRAIG admits St Mirren have struggled to fill the void left by striker Steven Thompson this term as the Buddies boss faces the prospect of another two months without his veteran forward.

Thompson has yet to feature for the Saints this season after going under the knife to cure a groin problem.

In his absence, a lack of cutting edge has cost Craig's side dear as they have toiled to pick up Premiership points.

After suffering a 1-0 defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle on Saturday, the Saints head into this weekend's clash with bottom-of-the-pile Ross County in desperate need of a win to kick-start their faltering campaign.

Goals have proven to be a huge problem for the Paisley outfit, who have netted just eight times in 10 league outings.

The return of Thompson would be a major boost for the Buddies, but Craig will not rush the former Scotland star back into action too soon.

He said: "Steven is still a fair bit away yet. You are really looking some time in December before he will play, I think.

"He has started doing some training, but it is only light because we have to take it easy with him just now.

"I want him to be spot-on when he comes back.

"I want him back to stay back and to stay fit. The situation we are in has proven how important a player Steven is.

"He has been our top scorer for the last three years and any team would miss him.

"When he comes back, he has got to be back for good and it will be a big plus for us when he is available to play again."

It was to prove another frustrating weekend for St Mirren as Caley Thistle claimed a 1-0 win in Paisley.

Now the focus turns to the meeting with a side just three points behind in the table, and Craig said: "The boys were obviously disappointed not to win on Saturday, but we have to move on and focus on the next match against Ross County this weekend.

"It was always going to be an important game, but now it is a very important one for us."