Jonah Ayunga has insisted St Mirren will travel to Bergen full of belief ahead of their UEFA Conference League second-leg qualifier against SK Brann.
The striker, 27, admits the Paisley club face a difficult challenge to win in Norway to progress in the competition but is confident his side have “one or two more levels” than they showed in the last-gasp draw last Thursday.
St Mirren were holding on for parts of the first leg with Brann dominant, however a late Toyosi Olusanya strike handed them a lifeline.
“We know they are a top team and they played really well,” said Ayunga. “But I think we have got another one or two levels in us.
“We played well and moved well but on the ball we all know we can do a lot better. If we just connect on two or three more passes then I think we have got a chance.
“They had a lot of possession and looked really tidy. Big, big chances…I think they had a few but more from direct kicks which is more our fault than them playing through us.
“We’ve seen a lot tonight and know what they have got to offer so we know what they can do in the next leg.
“We’ve got to go there at 0-0 and see what we can do.”
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St Mirren will be backed by a sold-out 750-strong away allocation at Brann Stadion but it’s expected well in excess of 1000 supporters will make the trip to Bergen.
“The fans have been amazing,” said Ayunga as he reflected on the European fixtures so far. “They were amazing at Valur and the two games we have had at home have been some of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in. We’re looking forward to it.”
Goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe has been key for St Mirren in Europe this season and Ayunga is confident the on-loan shot-stopper will step up again having quickly realised his quality.
“He’s a top keeper,” said Ayunga with a smile when asked how quickly he realised Balcombe’s ability having come up against him directly in shooting drills.
He made really big saves against Valur and Hibs and keep us in it against Brann. He’s been amazing.
“When you’re thinking they’re definitely going to score he’s there one-on-one every time so it’s good to have him.
“It’s not just saves either. It is everything, kicking, talking. He has got everything.
“To still be involved at that age [with a Premier League club] he has got to have quality.
“We knew we were getting a good goalkeeper and he is proving it every game he has played.”
