By Kyle Gunn

St Mirren goalkeeper Craig Samson says he always knew it would be a big step up from the Championship to the top flight.

The Buddies travel to Edinburgh to face league leaders Hearts today.

And the experienced shot stopper, who played a vital part in last year’s promotion, admits people need to forget about last term, especially given the vast changes.

READ MORE: St Mirren need to strengthen, admits Stubbs after Livi loss

He said: “We were under no illusions that we weren’t going to come up and win as many games as we won last year. We knew it was going to be difficult and when you’re going to Ibrox and Pittodrie so early in the season it is a tough start.

“The game that we’re more disappointed in is the Livingston result because our home form has been brilliant over the last 18 months, so that’s something we’ve got to put right.

“We know that we can hurt teams in the league but last Saturday against Livingston simply wasn’t good enough. We’ve got to work as a unit. It’s about everyone from goalkeeper to defenders working as a team.

“It has changed. The old manager left and went to Sunderland and the new manager came in with his own ideas and different players that he wants to bring in.

The Gazette:

Craig Samson is left helpless as Alan Lithgow doubles Livi's lead (photo: Allan Picken)

“That’s nothing new in football. Jack Ross did brilliantly here, deserved to get his move and is now flying at Sunderland. But you can’t dwell on that. We’ve got a new manager with new ideas, good ideas, and we’ve got to get together as a group very quickly and win games for him.”

Samson doesn’t think it’s the time to panic despite having only picked up three points from three games so far in the league.

The former Kilmarnock keeper is looking to get back to winning ways at one of the best away grounds he’s turned out at.

He continued: “We didn’t play well in the match but this time we have to go to Tynecastle and put that right.

“I think Tynecastle is one of the best venues in the country. The atmosphere is brilliant with the stands so high on top of you, it’s different class.

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“I’ve always enjoyed going there, even more so on the couple of occasions when we won. But it’s a great stadium and one the boys will enjoy playing in with a fantastic atmosphere.

“But it’s not about going to enjoy the surroundings, it’s about putting in a performance and trying to win points for the club.”