3 days ago
What Stephen Robinson expects from young St Mirren duo after Arbroath title success
The Buddies welcome back Fraser Taylor and Callum Penman following their championship exploits at Gayfield.
Stephen Robinson is expecting St Mirren's title-winning duo to be flying in pre-season.
Buddies aces Fraser Taylor and Callum Penman return to Ralston this month having picked up League One championship medals while on loan at Arbroath.
Taylor spent most of the campaign at Gayfield before Penman joined him for the second half of the Smokies' promotion push.
Both players had already made their mark in black and white – Taylor set up Alex Iacovitti's goal in Saints' UEFA Conference League clash with SK Brann in Norway while Penman created two goals for Toyosi Olusanya in a Scottish Cup tie at Queen of the South.
The League One player of the year award also went to Taylor and now the pair have the chance to impress gaffer Robbo as attention turns to the 2025-26 Premiership campaign.
The Northern Irishman said: 'For Fraser and Callum to go out and get that experience is brilliant for them. Fraz has had a fantastic season and we're delighted for him.
'He now has to step up and it is a big, big step up for him. There's no doubting that but does he have the ability to do that? Definitely. His attitude and his desire will have him involved in our first team next season. Then it's up to him to break into that.
'People have to remember when they're crying out for players to come in, who are they taking out to make that happen? Mark O'Hara? Killian Phillips? We are a good side so players coming in have to be better than what's in the team.
'Fraz has got the talent and, most importantly, he has the mindset to keep pushing. We love him as a kid and as a player. We're really keen to see how he comes back and fights for his place in pre-season.
'I'm sure they'll come back flying for pre-season because they're both very grounded boys. They're very focused on being the best they can be and they're great examples for our other kids here. They've set standards, along with Evan Mooney.'
Robbo will send more of the club's top talent on loan as he believes it is the best way for them to develop.
The manager – who has been linked with a move for Jamaica defender Richard King – added: 'I don't believe in Under-23s football. I don't believe that compares to playing against grown men. It's a different world away.
'They play 500 passes in their own six-yard box and people say it's fantastic. You need to go to an Arbroath to then face Livingston away or Morton away.
'You need to go to these places to improve, and develop that mentality when crowds are shouting at you – good and bad. That toughens you up mentality.'
