BY KYLE GUNN

Jim Goodwin insists St Mirren must put their last five away losses firmly behind them if they are to stand any chance against league leaders Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow night.

Saints failed to follow up a fine win against St Johnstone last weekend against Kilmarnock as skipper Gary Dicker’s free header secured the spoils for the home side 12 minutes from time.

That was the Paisley club's fifth away defeat in as many matches.

Goodwin's side have also struggled for goals on the road but the Irishman is hopeful that one goal or one good break would act as a springboard for the remainder of the season. 

He said: “I don't like talking about bad luck and not getting decisions, I'm a great believer you make your own luck. The frustrating thing for me on the road, though, is that we've been shooting ourselves in the foot a lot. 

"At Motherwell away, they were the better team and deserved to win, but at Ross County we lose a goal in the 92nd minute and take nothing from the game.

READ MORE: Danny Mullen targeting double figures after St Johnstone strike

"At both Livingston and Kilmarnock, we give away free headers from corners - we're costing ourselves. 

"We should have another three or four points on the board but we can't keep talking about it, we need to do something about it - we need to put it to bed. 

"We have to hope we can get that opportunity on Wednesday night against Celtic and pick up our first points on the road."

Goodwin had hoped that the two goals against St Johnstone a couple of weeks ago had banished the Paisley club’s issues in front of goal. 

However, after yet another blank against Kilmarnock, the Buddies are still struggling in the final third and are yet to acquire single point on the road yet this season. 

And the gaffer is well aware of the major confidence boost even a draw against Neil Lennon's men would give St Mirren going into the rest of the campaign.

READ MORE: Goodwin praises captain Stephen McGinn after victory at last

He continued: “We got a couple of goals last weekend against St Johnstone and you hope that gives you the springboard to kick on. Against Killie we drew a blank which was frustrating, but there's only so many waves of attack and crossing and finishing exercises you can work on, it's down to the players sometimes to take it on their own, as Jon Obika did with the overhead kick against St Johnstone. 

"Goals breed confidence and hopefully one of the lads can pop up with a winner on Wednesday and take confidence from that.

“I don't think we've done a whole lot wrong in the games and there's been a lot of games we've lost by the odd goal. We need to flip that and win by the odd goal or worst-case scenario, like Kilmarnock on Saturday, we draw 0-0 and come away with a well-earned point.”

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