BY KYLE GUNN

Jim Goodwin hopes to use St Mirren’s victory over St Johnstone last weekend as a springboard.

The Saints boss watched on as goals from Jon Obika and Danny Mullen handed his side all three points against the Perth side for just their second win of the season. 

And Goodwin is eyeing back-to-back wins when the Buddies travel to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock tomorrow. 

He said: “This league is so tight that the first goal in every game is vital. I think if St Johnstone had capitalised on their good start it would have put a completely different complexion on the game. 

READ MORE: Goodwin salutes Stephen McGinn's return after victory at last

"The first goal is massive. It makes life a whole lot easier because it means the opposition have to come out and attack and I thought against St Johnstone we managed the game brilliantly. We let them come out and then picked them off in behind.

“They’ve shown in the past that if they get their noses in front then its very difficult to go and break them down so hopefully we can go and put on a good performance and pick up a win on the road. I think that’d be really pleasing - back-to-back wins would be fantastic.”

Elsewhere, Goodwin gave Sam Foley a glowing report as the former Northampton midfielder settles in to life in Paisley. The Irishman also confirmed Ryan Flynn, who missed the St Johnstone game, was back in training.

Goody added: “I think Foley has been so consistent; he never has a bad game - he gives you a bit of everything. I’m really pleased with him as a signing, he has a bit of dig in there, he gets stuck in but in possession he's a very good footballer as well. He's got a good brain, reads the game well and I thought him and Stephen McGinn complemented each other brilliantly.

"Ryan Flynn was unfortunate, he picks up an injury and Stephen takes his place. Stephen will stay in the team now, that the way it goes. 

“He is back training and he's OK. He had a cortisone injection in his Achilles so he’s fit now but he understands what happened. The same thing happened with Gary Mackenzie where Kirk came in the team and now Gaz finds himself out of it. 

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"But I need that. I cant have anyone thinking they're guaranteed a place in the team regardless. Its healthy, it's great for me to know that there are players waiting and, if something does happen, they can step in and do just as good a job as the other one.”

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