ST Johnstone are set to visit St Mirren on Saturday, and manager Craig McLeish has already broken his silence. He praised the visitors’ attacking shape, warned of their danger, and hinted at possible interest in Killian Phillips after his two‑goal display against Falkirk.

What did McLeish say about ST Johnstone’s style?

McLeish admitted he "likes watching" ST Johnstone and "how they try and play their front four," noting that their fluid movement can cause problems for any defence. He added that the recent win over Falkirk - a "really good start" that built confidence - shows the Buddies can be a tough opponent. The manager’s comments underline the tactical respect St Mirren holds for the club’s attacking philosophy.

Is Killian Phillips attracting attention?

The midfielder who netted both goals in the 2‑0 win over Falkirk is now on McLeish’s radar. "If he plays like he does against Falkirk, undoubtedly there’ll be interest," the St Mirren boss said, suggesting that Phillips could be on the move. He clarified that the player is "probably at a stage of his career that he's looking for a next step," but added he is "not aware of any bids" at present. This cautious optimism reflects the club’s broader approach to developing talent.

How does the transfer model shape St Mirren’s plans?

McLeish emphasized that the club’s model is built around nurturing players and moving them on when the right moment arrives. "It’s part of our club model to develop players and move them on," he said, noting that while no immediate arrivals are expected in Paisley, the squad remains "quite big at the moment" and any new signings must "enhance the starting XI." This philosophy mirrors the way ST Johnstone handle their own talent pipeline, making the upcoming clash a showcase of two similar development strategies.

Who is likely to start for St Mirren?

The manager confirmed that Declan John will be in the squad for Saturday’s game, providing a solid option in midfield. With the squad depth McLeish mentioned, the selection will likely balance experience and the need to counter ST Johnstone’s attacking threat.

Next fixture: vs Dundee Utd (at home, 2026-10-17).