Manager Gus MacPherson has challenged his St Mirren players to turn their positive performances into Scottish Premier League points.St Mirren have not won in their last six league games, and while MacPherson cannot fault their commitment he insists they need to secure points.

The Buddies face Hearts at Love Street on Saturday, and MacPherson is determined to secure a first league win since mid-January.

But he knows his side face a tough task against the in-form Jambos.

MacPherson said: "In recent weeks our performances have been decent but the results haven't been there.

"So we have to get a result to give the players added confidence.

"They're confident in the manner they've been playing, the team spirit has been brilliant.

"But there's nothing better than winning games to breed that.

"Hearts have had one poor performance in the last six or seven matches and that was against Rangers.

"It's been well documented about all their stuff which has gone on off the park but on it they've done well as they've got good players.

"They have good attacking options even though they've lost Andrius Velicka, like (Christian) Nade, who has played in the Premiership and is a strong centre-forward and young Calum Elliot, who is an exciting prospect.

"We know we'll face international players.

"They've had one poor result in recent times but they've got good players there, good young players."

St Mirren no longer have the threat of relegation hanging over them, following the 10-point penalty handed to Gretna after the Borderers were placed in administration.

Gretna are close to going out of business after owner Brooks Mileson withdrew his financial backing but MacPherson hopes the club and Mileson, who is seriously ill, can come through this difficult time.

He said: "It's been well documented and everyone has talked about the players and their families that'll be hit by it.

"There's not many people that have mentioned Brooks and his wife and family and how they must be suffering. My thoughts are with them.

"Whatever happens to the football club will happen but there are a family there that are suffering and it puts football where it should be, it's not the most important thing in the world when someone in a family is suffering.

"It is difficult times for the club but more importantly for Brooks' wife and his family."

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