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Ben Ramage

Power admits getting a telling off from gaffer after red card at Celtic

Alan Power admits he's had a few stern words from his gaffer following his reckless red card at Celtic Park.

But the battling midfielder insists he's ready to learn to be a "good boy" as he looks to reign in his tough-tackling style.

The midfielder returned from a suspension-enforced absence to put in a squeaky clean display at Easter Road on Saturday, helping his Buddies recover from 2-1 down to earn a point late on.

Having already served two suspensions in his short Saints career so far, the former Killie enforcer is determined not to find himself out on the sidelines again for poorly timed tackles.

Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Power said: "It was an enjoyable game to play in but we were actually disappointed to come away with just a draw.

"Hibs is a good place to come and grab a point. Especially the first half I thought we were in control.

"It's been frustrating being out of action for so long. With the international break as well it's been a good few weeks since I played a full 90.

Power was shown a red card in last month's tie against Celtic (Getty Images)

"I've only got myself to blame for that. I have to look at my own game sometimes and just taper it in a little bit.

"I got a few talking offs from the gaffer, so I have to be a good boy from now on.

"He's totally right. It's been a big part of my game, tackling, but I need to know when and where to do it.

"I didn't get booked against Hibs though, so that's a positive for myself too."

Power is also learning to trust his skipper when he goes roaming into the box, after fellow Irishman Joe Shaughnessy bagged his third goal of the season with a textbook diving header at Easter Road.

St Mirren are still hunting their first Premiership win of the season, and Power is adamant his Saints side can do just that against struggling Aberdeen this weekend.

Power said: "Sometimes I wonder what big Joe's doing up there, but he's got goals for us already this season so I shouldn't complain too much. He hit the bar before that too.

"It shows the confidence he has to go and pose such a threat as a defender.

"We've been waiting for a moment like that to come along, celebrating with the fans like that at the end and hopefully we can have plenty more of them in weeks to come.

"Hopefully that moment can kick start us to go and get a couple of wins now.

"The gaffer has said to us from the off there's not much difference in the teams below Celtic and Rangers. We have to be confident going into every game, especially on our home patch.

"Hopefully we can kick Aberdeen when they're down and pick up that first win."

As well as Shaughnessy's impressive goal tally, Power has also been impressed in his midfield teammate Dylan Reid's assured performances at just 16 years of age.

Power added: "As soon as I came in the door you could tell Reid was a serious talent. Just little traits he has, touches of the ball and his positioning and that. He still has to learn a few things, but that'll come with games.

"Ethan Erhahon is in that bracket as well. It's a talented squad and everyone's pulling in the same direction. Even boys coming off the bench are giving it their all for the team.

"There's a good togetherness at the moment and we need to carry that on all season."

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