JIM GOODWIN admits he is 'desperate' for a Premiership break after an 'extremely challenging' couple of weeks for St Mirren.

The Buddies rounded off the first half of the campaign with a 2-0 Boxing Day defeat to Rangers at Ibrox.

First half goals from Scott Wright and Alfredo Morelos clinched a comfortable victory for the champions.

But Goodwin had goalie Jak Alnwick to thank for keeping the scoreline down as he made a string of saves to keep Rangers at bay.

The Ibrox clash came just days after the Buddies earned a battling point at home to Celtic on a night when they were ravaged by Covid issues.

And Goodwin is looking forward to a chance to take stock for a couple of weeks after the SPFL rescheduled the winter shutdown after a vote from clubs.

Goodwin said: “I think barring one or two managers who are on a good run of form we are all desperate for a break now.

“It has been an extremely challenging fortnight for our club.

“I don't think I have ever looked forward to ab break so much in my life.

“I don't think many people would have expected us to take a point from Rangers and Celtic given all that has gone on.

“The fact we have only conceded two goals is also incredible.

“We don't like losing any games but what we have had to deal with over the past two weeks we will take the point.

“Both Dean (Lyness) and Jak in the last couple of games have been outstanding.

“We are very lucky to have two quality, experienced keepers and Jak has kept the score down.

“It has been a difficult period for everybody and we are now looking to spend some time with the families.

“When we come back we need to press the reset button as we have not picked up enough points."