CONNOR RONAN reckons his time at St Mirren has been a successful one - even if they can't finish in the top six.

The Buddies were relying on a number of results yesterday to keep their bid for the Scottish Premiership top-half alive, but head into today's match against Rangers knowing seventh is their highest possible finish this season.

However, despite a difficult period recently, Ronan has continued to impress in black-and-white and has branded his time in Paisley on loan from Wolves as a success.

An eight-goal haul and five assists puts Ronan among the highest contributors to St Mirren's season, so it's no wonder huge speculation is already underway over his future.

Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin - who brought Ronan to St Mirren - has been linked with a move but Ronan insists he's keeping his options open.

“I’ve still got two years left (at Wolves)," said Ronan of his contract situation.

“Whether it’s a permanent move somewhere, or another loan move, I’ve got to be open to whatever there is for me.

“If I go back to Wolves and they think it’s best to do pre-season there and go on loan again, or  try and get me out as soon as possible if the right option’s there, then I’m open to any of that.

“As long as I’ve got that contract at Wolves, that will always be top of my list - in terms of going back there and trying to break through into the first team and playing in the Premier League.

“You’ve also got to keep it in the back of your mind, be realistic about whether it’s going to be possible.

“I’ve kind of gone back there various times and had the conversations there about they think is going to be best for me. I’ve trusted them. I’d like think so far it’s worked out."

Ronan hasn't ruled out another stint with St Mirren next season, but stressed his only focus right now is finishing the season strongly.

“I’ve had conversations with the gaffer here about next season," admitted Ronan.

“I came up here with goals in mind of what I wanted to do and I’d like to think I’ve had a successful period.

“I’m just concentrating on finishing the season here.

“Then I’ll go back down to Wolves and have that conversation with them about first. About what the plan is for me.

“I’m 100-per-cent focused on what I need to do for St Mirren. You have to be completely focused on the next game.

“At the minute, the past few weeks, the goals have been changing depending on results.

“The last couple of weeks the main aim was top six and only looking in front of us.

“But we’ve got to be realistic now and have a little look over our shoulder, check the other way if we’re going to be realistic about things."

Ronan has already enjoyed a number of big moments for St Mirren - one of which came against today's opponents as he smashed home a stunning 35-yard strike past the despairing Allan McGregor in goal.

And the creative midfielder is targeting another long-range effort to add to the collection in Paisley this afternoon.

Asked if he'll take any opportunity to unleash a long-range strike, Ronan said: “That’s 100-per-cent right.

“I think you can only take confidence from past experiences.

“Luckily, I started off quite well with the two goals against Aberdeen early on.

“It almost relieves that pressure a bit, getting those goals so quickly in the season.

“When that one went in against Rangers - from a longer range - it gives you the confidence to take on the shots."