Paul McGinn has said the fear of attaining a dubious reputation for relegations has given him extra motivation to keep St Mirren up.

The right-back has suffered back-to-back relegations, first with Chesterfield to League Two in 2016 and more recently when Partick Thistle dropped into the Championship.

Saints currently lie 11th in the Premiership after six games after losing to Hamilton last time out.

Admitting he's in danger of being labelled a jinx, McGinn is determined to prove he's not cursed.

The 27-year-old said: "I'm not counting the Chesterfield one as I was out for five months and they were mid-table when I got injured.

"But ensuring that doesn't happen here is definitely my big aim.

"I don't want to get that kind of reputation, but if you get relegated three times in a row then you've definitely got it.

"It's a big driving force for me personally as it's something I'm very keen to avoid.

"Last year, right at the end of the season with Thistle was probably the worst point of my career.

"When I signed for them they had played seven games and only had one point, so at least we're in better shape than that this time round.

"But it was such a sore one."

The Buddies have picked up just four points so far, with Neil Lennon's in-form Hibs side set to visit Paisley this weekend.

McGinn added: "We obviously need to pick ourselves up, but nobody's panicking.

"This is one of the things you need to expect when you get promoted. You're not going to win every game and you going to have ups and downs - with probably more downs.

"If we're still in the league at the end of the season then that will be a success and we can build on it from there.

"There's absolutely no point feeling sorry for yourselves."