St MIRREN manager Alex Rae praised his team’s spirit after seeing them secure back-to-back victories for the first time this season.

Saints gave their support a much-needed boost with a 1-0 win over Queen of the South at the Paisley 2021 Stadium on Saturday.

The win, Saints second at home in the league all season following last week’s defeat of Alloa, puts the Buddies just four points off a play-off spot and moves them eight points clear of relegation danger.

Rae said: “They’re a decent outfit and we’re just pleased to get three points. There’s a few positives to take – obviously the result and it’s the first back-to-back we’ve had this season, the clean sheet and also winning at home again is important for us. If we’re going to do anything it’s important for us to try to get results here.

“They’re battling, which is great. There is a spirit there and you have to be like that in the Championship as it’s a very physical standard. It’s not for the faint-hearted.”

The only goal came courtesy of another Stevie Mallan free-kick as the young midfielder scored yet again from a set-piece.

Rae said: “It was a terrific strike again and there’s no doubt about his quality. I’ve only been in the place five or six weeks and you see that time after time at training.

“He’s only 19 and I want to try to help him develop. I played a lot of games in that position over the years and there’s things he needs to improve on if he wants to go to the next level.

“I’ve said that to him but I’m trying to invest time in him as I can see what he’s got, he’s got so much ability.”

“I can see myself in him, he gets lots of goals, and it’s trying to put more ingredients into him in terms of the actual role. I think it’s his 50th game next week and you try to relate back to your 50th game and you were still wet behind the ears but he’s progressing really well.”