SEASON 2012/13 was a cathartic one for Marc McAusland.

The central defender's return to St Mirren in 2010 had been viewed with suspicion in some quarters, cynics wondering whether a three-year deal had been awarded on the basis of ability alone or because his dad, Bryan, was one of the club's directors. McAusland's performances last season, though, surely silenced even the staunchest of his critics.

With Darren McGregor unlucky to once again sustain a serious injury earlier in the campaign, McAusland became a virtual ever-present in Danny Lennon's side, playing in 43 of their 46 games including the Co-operative Insurance Cup final win over Hearts.

McAusland's solid dependability in defence alongside first Lee Mair and latterly Jim Goodwin also saw him collect a number of player of the year awards. His reward for such consistency was a new two-year deal, signed just days before the cup final, and this time there were precious few quibbles.

"I really enjoyed last year and felt I had quite a good season," he told Herald Sport. "I played in around 40 games and winning the cup was obviously a massive bonus on top of that. Getting one or two awards is always nice at the end of the season and it shows the fans appreciate what you're trying to do."

The task now for McAusland is to build on last year's success. McGregor is fit again and pushing for a return to the side, with Mair and Goodwin both also available for selection. McAusland knows he can't afford to become complacent.

"It was good to get a wee break over the summer but I'm looking forward to the new season now," he added. "My aim this season is to try to play as much as I did last year. There haven't been many new signings so far but there is still a lot of competition for places, especially in my position. Darren's on the way back again and he's looking well, so with him, Jim and Lee all there I know I'm not guaranteed my place. I'll just need to work hard in pre-season and see who the manager picks when the action gets under way."

St Mirren finished 11th in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League last year and McAusland knows they must do better next season.

"Our league form last year wasn't good enough, although the cup run was maybe part of the reason for that," he commented. "But we need to do better this year. Top six will be what we're aiming for."