Oran Kearney says St Mirren's 2-0 win over Hearts at the Simple Digital Arena last weekend was for the supporters.

Kearney’s Saints ended a run of 12 games without a victory thanks to a double from Adam Hammill, including a stunning opener from the former Barnsley winger.

And the Northern Irishman, who acknowledged the fans after the vital win, reckons it was important to show the Buddies faithful what it meant to him.

He said: "We finally got up and running with the win - and it was for the fans too. They have been through turmoil and what I exhibited was probably how everyone felt across the ground. It wasn't planned. It's just sometimes good to show how you feel. It's nice to be calm and collected but there is a time for that kind of thing. I wouldn't do it every weekend but it was nice to show it meant something. For me, it was a first three points as St Mirren manager - and hopefully the first of many. That was a nice landmark and it was nice to celebrate.”

The result means that if the Buddies beat Hamilton tomorrow afternoon they will climb off the relegation play-off spot and above their visitors up to ninth place in the table.

And that is understandably something the former Coleraine boss is keen to do.

He continued: "It's a big three points and there is an incentive for all to see. You won't be coming in after the game seeing how other results have gone. If we take care of our business on the pitch, we will go above Hamilton.”

Kearney has been handed a boost by the news that Anton Ferdinand will be back in the squad this weekend after a hamstring injury.

Elsewhere, St Mirren have confirmed that former Rangers coach Jimmy Nichol has joined the club as first team coach with Kearney saying he’s looking forward to the vast knowledge Nicholl will bring to the role. 

"Number one is his experience of Scottish football and his experience of being in this predicament before and knowing what’s needed," he added. "I know from speaking to Michael O’Neill at international level that the relationships he builds with players is highly important. 

"At his age and with his experience, he has a good eye and a good ear for players in the team and doing well - but more importantly for the players who are out of the team and need an arm round the shoulders. From speaking to Michael, and knowing him myself, I know he has a brilliant sixth sense in the way he interacts with the players."