TOMMY CRAIG admits St Mirren's confidence has taken a battering as their winless run has snowballed in recent weeks.

But he is targeting a victory over St Johnstone tomorrow to kickstart their campaign and bring some festive cheer to Paisley this winter.

The Buddies crashed out of the Scottish Cup in midweek as Inverness eased to a 4-0 fifth-round replay success.

Defeat in the Highlands was another tough blow for Craig's side to take, with not even the returns of Isaac Osbourne, John McGinn and Steven Thompson able to inspire them to end their long wait for a win.

Boss Craig said: "There was a lack of confidence in the team, which goes with the territory and where they are just now.

"We have had to go carefully with the guys that came back last Saturday. In an ideal world, you wouldn't play them three times in a week, but we don't live in an ideal world.

"I have got to say, they have been terrific and have volunteered to give it their best shot over the three games.

"They have got to be commended for that. It is a tough stint and there was a fair bit of stiffness in all of them.

"You have got to take your hat off to them for standing up and wanting to be counted.

"After the game, there was a despondency in the dressing room which had to be addressed. We do that together.

"The position we are in is going to breed a lack of confidence, but you have got to have that guts, determination and character.

"In the last two or three days they have lifted themselves again and we are looking forward to St Johnstone."

Craig's side head into the all Saints clash on Saturday with just eight points to their credit so far this season.

They will be rock bottom if Ross County take anything from their meeting with Dundee United tonight and the Paisley gaffer is in desperate need of a result to change the Saints' fortunes. He said: "It goes without saying, we need a win at all costs.

"We need to somehow get three points and take that on from there.

"We have got St Johnstone then Celtic and a couple of games before Christmas.

"I would like to get to Christmas with a bit of a smile on everyone's face, especially the punters.

"I do like my football played in a certain way but, in these circumstances, three points would be very welcome

Craig has come under huge pressure in recent weeks as Paisley punters have turned on him and called for him to be sacked.

And the 64-year-old is impressed with how another under-fire boss, Rangers gaffer Ally McCoist, has handled the flak that has been flying his way after Rangers' recent performances.

Craig said: "Every time I pick up the paper I see him smiling. It is incredible what he has gone through in the last two or three years and to see him bearing up like he is doing is testament to his character.

"To be one of Rangers' all- time greats and record scorer, you have got to have that character and, by God, has he taken that on to being a manager.

"I take my hat off to him. I know him well enough to know that is his style but, deep down, he will be hurting like hell."