ST MIRREN ace Ryan Flynn is wishing team-mates Jamie McGrath and Jake Doyle-Hayes a speedy recovery...even though he knows it could mean he is left on the subs’ bench.

McGrath suffered a dislocated shoulder against Celtic earlier this month, while ex-Aston Villa youngster Doyle-Hayes injured his foot against Aberdeen.

Buddies boss Jim Goodwin feared both Irishmen – who are among his top performers – could be out for the remainder of the season but the pair are now recovering well and look likely to be available before the split as Saints look to clinch their place in the top six.

Their absence has allowed Flynn to reclaim his spot after six months out with a serious knee injury.

But the versatile midfielder insists he wants to see Saints back to full strength as soon as possible and that he is ready to fight for his jersey.

“Suspensions and injuries have helped me get back in the team but the bigger the squad you have, the better,” said Flynn.

“I definitely don’t want to see boys getting injured and, hopefully, the likes of Jamie and Jake can come back soon.

“What’s really important is having players ready to step up when called upon and I think that’s what has happened this season. I’m always ready and look to play my part whenever I can.

“We’ve had loads of different challenges this season, like Covid, but I think we’ve handled it really well. This latest bout of injuries is no different but, hopefully, we can get a few more boys back before the split.”

Saints have drawn their last three matches, securing a 0-0 stalemate at Aberdeen before being held 1-1 at home by both Hamilton Accies and Livingston.

They play their game in hand tonight as they host Motherwell, knowing that victory will help to solidify their place in the top half of the table and open up a four-point lead over nearest rivals Dundee United.

The Buddies then have clashes against struggling duo Ross County and Hamilton either side of a trip to Rangers but Flynn isn’t looking any further than tonight’s showdown with the Steelmen.

“It’s that old cliche about the next game being the most important but it is, as it’s a chance for us to get three points and cement our place in the top six,” he said.

“We thought we’d have got more from our last two home games, so hopefully we can make amends.”