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"I tried something today and it didn't particularly work to be honest," said Stephen Robinson as he reflected on a slightly disjointed performance against Fleetwood Town. "That's two big blows for us in terms of the system that we play both of them having been vital as those two 10s. That's something we are going to have to look at."

The St Mirren manager has been forced to consider an alteration to his preferred formation this summer with key men Conor McMenamin and Greg Kiltie sidelined for three months.

It's a less-than-ideal situation for a manager who worked diligently over the summer to craft his squad for the rigours of European and domestic football.

The squad has been swiftly assembled with seven new additions in ahead of the UEFA Conference League tie against either Value or KF Vlazznia.

Importantly, it was evident where each of the new signings would feature in Robinson's favoured formation.

Ellery Balcombe in goal was obvious, Shaun Rooney in a right wing-back, Jaden Brown on the opposite flank, Alex Iacovviti somewhere in between in the back three with Oisin Smyth, Dennis Adeniran in central midfield.

That leaves just Roland Idowu who will play mostly in an advanced role but with the versatility of dropping into the centre of the park.

With no out-and-out forwards brought in, that would suggest Robinson would rely on previously successful forward options like Kiltie and McMenamin as suppliers to the likes of Mika Mandron, Jonah Ayunga and Toyosi Olusanya.

With Kiltie and McMenamin out though, there's a slight issue. One which could end in an altered shape out in Albania or Iceland come next week.

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On Saturday, when it "didn't particularly work", Robinson opted for a front three of Idowu, Mandron and Olusanya.

It's no slight on the three players but it's clearly a different make up than with McMenamin and Kiltie involved.

There was more pace and direct running on Saturday but altogether less control and interplay.

It was more brute-force, less clever passing and developed patterns of play.

It's important to add, being able to do both is preferable and there is no condemnation of either attacking intent - be it direct balls in behind to chase or patient phases of play.

However, Robinson was the first to admit it didn't quite click - which is no genuine concern in a friendly, that's where things like that are meant to happen.

Come Thursday, though, and there will be no margin for things not quite panning out as expected.

There is no doubt Robinson has quality players at his disposal all over the park - it's a much easier said than done matter of making them click where a manager earns their wages.

I've no doubt clarity has already been offered by Robinson on how to correct the unexpected blip in the offensive third but equally, another shake-up of his squad could be evident against Carlisle.

St Mirren have enjoyed success in pre-season, looking stable in their first outing against Dunfermline, cruising to victory over Morton at Cappielow and even avoiding defeat to Fleetwood on a trickier afternoon.

The fact Robinson has a tactical conundrum to consider ahead of a huge return to the European stage is obviously a talking point, but shouldn't be overly concerning.

Sure, Kiltie and McMenamin will be a huge miss while they remain sidelined but their absence could serve to develop a new deployable style for St Mirren this season.

There has already been a shift in playing out from the back with the assured Balcombe in goal - once the game plan in attack is completely ironed out - there's no reason to suggest it couldn't be even more effective than last term.

We've got the options, it's just about using them correctly.

AND ANOTHER THING

Alex Iacovitti's arrival in Paisley was met with a mixed reaction. The experienced centre-back penned a two-year deal at St Mirren as he joined from Port Vale.

An undisclosed fee was agreed between the clubs to facilitate the move with Iacovitti quickly sold on the switch after talks with manager Robinson.

Scottish football supporters will be familiar with Iacovitti from his time at Ross County before heading to England last summer.

Iacovitti is Robinson's replacement for James Bolton - who departed for Fleetwood Town - but his arrival is more important than that.

Iacovitti was recruited for his leadership and experience on top of his defensive ability. In many ways his best attributes come in his imposing figure and sky-high demands he places on himself and team-mates.

This is not a player arriving to play a bit-part role in training or matches, Iacovitti has been brought to the club to help command the backline and offer a threat in the opposition box.

In many ways, comparisons with Bolton may be slightly unhelpful with Iacovitti likely to play on the left of the back three to strike a much more favourable balance in the rearguard.

Still not convinced? Just take a look at Robinson's track record with signings, there haven't been many misses.