Lennon eyes lofty finish

ST Mirren manager Danny Lennon has urged his players not to let their season slip as they prepare to face Hibs, who have yet to fully escape the threat of relegation.

Saints twice had a two-goal lead against basement team Dunfermline at St Mirren Park last weekend but ended up drawing 4-4. They face second-bottom Hibs at home on Sunday as they bid to finish above the bottom three for the first time in the SPL.

“We have worked hard to put that right this week,” Lennon said. “I have said we are in unfamiliar territory playing above the relegation battle and trying to climb the table. It’s been more than 20 years since we have done that. I’ve challenged the players to be at their best and cap off a season that has certainly had progress. Having scored nine goals in the last three games, we are looking to continue that entertaining style and attacking football against a team that is fighting relegation. It’s a big game for both clubs.”

Lennon is also looking for off-field benefits to a higher finish. “We are looking to boost our player budget in terms of financial rewards,” he said. “It could be the difference in giving us a bit of a war chest. We have achieved our objective which is always survival but we have to keep trying to raise the bar.”