ST MIRREN manager Jack Ross insists the Buddies have shown title-winning form throughout the whole of 2017.

And as Paisley outfit end the 12-month period with tomorrow’s visit of promotion rivals Dundee United in a top of the table clash in the Championship, Ross has urged his players to maintain their momentum for the rest of the season.

Former Hearts coach Ross, who was appointed in October 2016, led Saints to safety in the division last term after being six points adrift the basement at the turn of the year.

St Mirren have continued that rich vein of form having opened up a two point at the summit by winning 12 of their 18 league matches, and Ross admits he is relishing the United showdown.

He said: “It’s probably a nice way to get to the culmination of this year.

“I think over the calendar year our results have been outstanding and the consistency in performance and consistency in results has been terrific.

“If that had been over a season rather than over a year, we would have had every chance of achieving success.

“We just need to make sure we do that over the second half of this season.

“To be in this position is brilliant, we have a hugely challenging game on Friday and equally an exciting one and I’m looking forward to it.”

Saints go into the game on a high after coming from two goals down to beat Queen of the South 3-2 at the weekend and Ross is delighted with his team’s spirit.

He said: “I think every time they win a game their belief grows, their trust in themselves and each other grows.

“The game on Saturday was won by the players, it was nothing to do with me.

“It was nothing we did tactically or in terms of motivation, their response was great.”