Craig McLeish believes bravery is key as St Mirren return to Ibrox on Wednesday night aiming to make up for last month’s thumping by Rangers in Govan.
A 5-1 Premier Sports Cup defeat by the Light Blues was the only real blight in August for the 36-year-old, in his first season as permanent boss.
A 2-1 loss at home to reigning William Hill Premiership champions Celtic on Saturday night reiterated to McLeish the importance of the Buddies showing their personality right from the start of games.
He said: “I thought the first half at the time (against Celtic) was better than what it was, having watched it back.
“I actually thought we let ourselves down on the ball quite a bit at times in the first half, just when we turned it over in midfield under not too much pressure.
“I thought defensively our set-up was decent but the little bit of frustration is that we come to life really once they score the equaliser.
“I thought we did some really good stuff and then concede the second goal and then we show an even better version of ourselves again.
“It’s a similar story against Motherwell (3-3), we were 2-0 down before we properly got going.
“The cup game against Rangers, it probably took to us to go 2-0 down until we started being really brave.
“And so it’s just that, the message to the group is just try to show that bravery and personality and how we’re trying to play from the very start of the games.
“Don’t wait until we have a little bit of a setback before we all rally together.
“They are the bits we need to keep improving on.
“I am really happy with where we’re at, but I still think there’s so much more to come from the group.”
Killian Phillips is making his way back from a shin injury with a view to returning for the Dundee United game on September 19.
Fellow midfielder Liam Donnelly will be back training next week as he recovers from an abductor problem. Samuel Ramos has a hamstring issue and will be monitored.
Malik Dijksteel (hamstring), Keanu Baccus (Achilles) and Jonah Ayunga (ACL) remain out.
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