Strain out for three months

St Mirren are set to be without Ryan Strain for three months after a groin injury he suffered on international duty last month for Australia.

The wing-back is due to undergo surgery on Monday in London.

Strain will also miss the Asian Cup for Australia, which is set to take place from mid-January.

"A huge blow for us," Stephen Robinson said.

"But it's up to other people to step into the plate now. We have a small squad which is tested to the limit with injuries, especially long-term ones, but we are no different to anyone else.

"I don't work on the excuse mentality, I try and work on the basis that someone else will get an opportunity to prove they should be in the side and make up for Ryan's loss."

Strain's contract is due to come to an end in the summer, and Robinson says the decision to extend is "in his hands".

"We spoke with Ryan's representatives about a new contract and they weren't interested at that stage in terms of signing.

"Ryan has obviously had a huge blow with his injury and it's a blow to us because Ryan has been a big, integral part of what we have done in our relative success.

"But you can't feel sorry for yourself. Ryan will get the best medical treatment possible and he's got the best physio around that will help him get back.

"He has to buy into that, he has to have the attitude and the work ethic that Jonah Ayunga had with a long-term injury.

"His aim as a young man is to come back stronger and fitter than he was before.

"Then the decision is in his hands in terms of what he does the following season but hopefully he will be back long before then."