Stephen Robinson believes St Mirren progress helped secure Alex Gogic future

Stephen Robinson admits a top-six finish and a possible European place probably helped persuade Alex Gogic to extend his contract at St Mirren.

The 30-year-old defender’s existing deal was due to expire this summer but he signed on again for another three years earlier this week as the Paisley club look to wrap up European qualification.

The Buddies sit six points behind Kilmarnock and five ahead of Dundee, with three cinch Premiership fixture remaining.

Boss Robinson is pleased to secure the Cyprus international and ahead of the home game against fourth-placed Killie on Saturday, he acknowledged some of the reasons why it was possible.

The Northern Irishman said: “If we had have been in the position of where the club has been for the last 15 years, yo-yoing in and out of the Championship, I certainly wouldn’t have attracted Alex to stay.

“I may not have attracted him in the first place but he has seen who we are trying to sign, what we are trying to do.

“It is a compliment to the staff here because I believed my coaching staff has made Alex a better player and he probably has had the best two seasons of his career.

“I am sure he will admit that has come from a lot of help from people like Diarmuid O’Carroll, Jamie Langfield and the rest of the staff. So credit to them as well.”