FORGETTING the first half of last season and starting afresh was the advice given to St Mirren’s Connor Ronan and his team-mates following the recent rescheduled winter break.
The Paisley side went into the hiatus on a run of 11 matches without a win. A switch to a back four has since facilitated a run of three consecutive victories, including progression to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.
Tuesday night’s goal hero Ronan is one of those thriving again and netted his fourth goal of the season in the 1-0 victory in the cinch Premiership over Aberdeen. The Wolves loanee’s pin-point effort alluded Joe Lewis in goal, who must be sick of the sight of the 23-year-old.
The Irishman scored twice in the 3-2 win over Aberdeen in Paisley earlier in the season, meaning he has three goals in as many games against the Dons – not to mention his wonderful strike versus Rangers.
Ronan said he is as guilty as any team-mate of losing form: “That was the first thing the gaffer said after the break: he told us to forget last year and to start again this year afresh.
“There’s been a change of formation and style of play and we’ve all bought into that during training.”
Ronan has two and a half years left on his deal at Wolves and hopes to follow the example of fellow Buddy Jamie McGrath, who has broken into the Ireland set-up during his time in Paisley.
“He had a really good season last year and has got in the squad, played in big games and kept his place in the squad,” said Ronan.
“That’s only going to give me confidence to try and do the same.
“First and foremost you’ve always got to focus on your club football because that’s what’s going to get you in there”.
Ronan added: “I’m just taking each game as it comes and hopefully chipping in with a few more goals and assists. That won’t do me any harm.”
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