Robinson on injury crisis, Tynecastle trip & Gillespie exit

Stephen Robinson has been speaking to the media before St Mirren visit Premiership leaders Hearts on Wednesday night.

Here are the key lines from the Buddies boss:

• Robinson says St Mirren's injury situation is the worst he's experienced but it is easing "a little bit".
• However, in addition to long-term injuries for Keanu Baccus, Mark O'Hara and Jonah Ayunga he has other concerns. Midfielder Killian Phillips has a tear in his shoulder and will see a specialist on Wednesday to determine whether he needs an operation.
• "It's extremes," said Robinson. "If Killian needs an operation he'll probably be out three months, if he doesn't he could probably start [against Hearts]. So we're sort of waiting on that judgement call."
• Goalkeeper Shamal George and midfielder Liam Donnelly - who both came off injured in the defeat by Falkirk - plus striker Dan Nlundalu are all doubts for the trip to Tynecastle. Robinson adds that Donnelly's injury isn't as bad as first feared.
• The Northern Irishman says Premier Sports Cup success has "certainly taken its toll" on his team. He adds: "We're trying to play catch-up games now, you're playing midweek games. The squad isn't equipped for seven or eight injuries. It's a difficult period, a difficult moment for us. I've been here plenty of times and we'll come out the other side."
• Have signed midfielder Allan Campbell this month, St Mirren trying "very, very hard" to bring in further reinforcements but it is a "very hard window" and players "demand money that we don't have".
• Robinson's "biggest disappointment" in the Falkirk defeat was his team's lack of reaction after going behind: "We didn't do what we're good at. We went from putting 47 crosses into the box against Kilmarnock to putting in 12 in the last two games. That tells you one of the problems. We have to get back to doing what we do well, running over teams, delivering balls, pressing high and believing in ourselves."
• Despite a four-game winless run, Robinson is optimistic about the visit to leaders Hearts - who have been "fantastic this season" - and says getting a good result there "would be a surprise to many but not to me".
• He adds: "We've shown that we can compete with Hearts. We beat them in the League Cup [on penalties]. We were very unfortunate not to win the game at home [2-2 draw] due to decisions. But we need that level of performance again and we need that level of belief."
• On the departure of vice-chairman Jim Gillespie to Rangers: "We wish him all the best and we thank him for what he's done for St Mirren. In terms of the day-to-day running of the club, it doesn't really change things for me. I still deal with [chief operating officer] Keith Lasley on a daily basis."