Kearney says his St Mirren side are raring to go after break

St Mirren boss Oran Kearney revealed the short break between the end of the regular fixtures and the post-split schedule came at the perfect time, handing his side a much-needed break after playing four games in eleven days. 

The Paisley side had an extra fixture squeezed in due to the initial postponement of the St Johnstone game back in March.

Kearney’s men are set to visit Livingston tomorrow but despite the West Lothian outfit being assured of Premiership football next season, the Northern Irishman doesn’t expect them to take their foot off the gas.

READ MORE: Kearney hopes he only has to watch relegation play-offs on TV

He said: “It’s my first year here but the fixture thing has been interesting - which is probably the safest word to describe it. The first league game was in early August and we’re looking at going to May 18.

“You look at the last month, we had four games in 11 days then no game for two weeks then we’re into Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Monday and Saturday. It’s a bit sporadic. I remember in December we had eight games in 26 or 27 days. We’ll get a bit of a break in January then you’re catching up again and it just seems like it’s cycles of games.

Buddies hoping for more of the same after they edged past Livingston back in March

"For us having four games in 11 days, the break came at a nice time to freshen everyone up and let some of the boys nip home. They always come back with a spring in their step and hopefully it gives them an added lift.”

Elsewhere, Buddies midfielder Kyle Magennis made his return to action for the first time since tearing his hamstring in December as he played 45 minutes in a reserve game on Monday afternoon. 

But despite the youngster coming through that 45 test unscathed, Kearney isn't too keen on throwing the 20-year-old into tomorrow’s game.

He continued: “Firstly, it was great for him for what he’s gone through and for what a tough season it’s been mentally and physically. To see him carefree and running and playing was a great lift for me but more importantly for him.

"To see him come out the end of all those injuries is brilliant and I’m delighted for him.

"I think he’s been out for 15 or 16 weeks and has had 45 minutes. It’s important as excited as I and Kyle get to keep the dampeners on and not get carried away. We’ll call it closer to Saturday but I’ll be more along the lines it’ll be after Saturday and he’ll need to get more minutes.

READ MORE: Kyle Magennis makes long-awaited Buddies return

"The scenario we find ourselves in and how big the five games are, you also have to remember he’s a young lad who has 15 years of a career ahead of him. I wouldn’t want to jeopardise his long-term future for a short-term gain so it’s so important we don’t get excited and be very careful with him. There’s a small query over Lee Hodson but apart from that we’re sitting with pretty much a full bill of health.”