ST MIRREN shot-stopper Chris Smith is determined to make the No.1 jersey his own at Love Street.

And that's despite conceding five goals on his return to the first team as Gus MacPherson's side went down 5-1 to Celtic at Parkhead last weekend.

The youngster was reinstated to the side after Tony Bullock was responsible for the Saints' exit from the Scottish Cup when his blunders helped Dundee United to a 3-2 victory up at Tannadice.

Now Smith aims to grab the opportunity with both hands - even after he spent far too long picking the ball out of the back of the net at Celtic Park.

He said: "It was great to be selected to play against Celtic at Parkhead as that is the sort of arena you want to test yourself in.

"Unfortunately, the result didn't go the way we wanted, but I thought we managed to do well by bringing the game back to 1-1.

"Celtic then moved through the gears and that made it difficult for us, but most teams find it difficult at Parkhead."

Smith knows Bullock will be desperate to win his place back and admits he'll have to be at his very best to stay in the Love Street line-up.

But the 20-year-old insists the rivalry between the keepers is healthy and that they get on well.

He explained: "I fully expect Tony to push me all the way and he will want the jersey back.

"If anything, that will help keep me on my toes and I'll have to give 100% to stay in the side.

"However, that's what I'm obviously aiming to do. I want to stay in the team now and help us pick up points in the coming weeks."

St Mirren face Aberdeen at home this weekend and Smith is refusing to look any further ahead than that.

"You can't allow yourself to look much further than the next game," he said.

"You've just got to focus on that match, give it your best shot and then move on to the next one.

"It will be another tough game this weekend against Aberdeen.

"They are enjoying a good season in the SPL and are still battling to finish in the top two or three.

"However, we are the home side and we'll be looking to try and win the game.

"Gus always sends us out to be positive and we'll be aiming to try and take all three points."