Alex Iacovitti says St Mirren will aim to get 2025 off to the best possible start by bouncing back at Kilmarnock.
The Buddies head to Rugby Park on Thursday afternoon following a 2-1 defeat to Dundee at the weekend.
Simon Murray’s brace either side of a Toyosi Olusanya goal sank Saints at the SMiSA Stadium.
However, Stephen Robinson’s men do end the calendar year sitting fifth in the Premiership table.
It’s Killie next up for Iacovitti and his Buddies and the 27-year-old central defender is keen to get right back on track.
“We weren’t at the races,” he said of Sunday’s game. “It wasn’t our worst performance but we just looked a little bit flat.
“If we’re not going to win the game then don’t lose it. We’ve got to be more streetwise and smart. We’re disappointed but it’s not the end of the world. We’re going to bounce back on Thursday.
“We know Kilmarnock is a tough place to go and they’ve got a cracking home record but we’re always confident. We’ve been alright away from home. At St Johnstone and Ross County, we’ve picked up six points.
“It will be similar to the Dundee game with plenty of balls into the box. I’ve played there many times. We know what’s coming but we’ve got to stand up and be better than we were against Dundee.
“Little moments like this are frustrating but this year has been brilliant for the club with getting into Europe.”
Iacovitti is gearing up for an exciting second half of the season now he is fully fit.
“We’re not getting too carried away and we know there is a lot of football to be played,” he added. “The mood in the camp is good. We’ve got a good set of boys, a bunch of lads who are positive and the gaffer has been brilliant.
“I feel better than I did after the St Johnstone game which was my first one back! It takes time after being out for 10 weeks but I’m getting there.
“It’s not about me – it’s about the boys and picking up three points. But I’ve enjoyed it since coming back up here.”
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