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Patience is a skill St Mirren supporters have near-mastered after a painful 37-year absence from European competition.

It takes some serious waiting expertise, a healthy dose of optimism that it will come once again and perhaps a smidge of indulging in the tortuous times when they come (shout out to the Misery Hunters lads).

Come kick-off in Paisley tonight, patience will again be key for those packing the stands at the SMiSA Stadium. 

Understandably, there is huge expectation ahead of a first European home match this millennium but it's not going to be a simple turn-up and win exercise.

Supporters have so far held up their end of the bargain in exemplary fashion with a simply incredible turnout in Reykjavik last week and tireless efforts to show backing this evening stretching far beyond purchasing a match ticket.

A fan corteo to the stadium is just another sign of the swell of support for St Mirren and also exemplifies the unity within the majority of the fan base - something never to be taken for granted.

Those within the Northbank group have put plans in place for an ambitious three-stand display ahead of kick-off - again a statement of how momentous an occasion this will be for all supporters.

It's equally important, though, to remember the displays and efforts of the group - and the Marching On team - in previous days, weeks and months well before European football was on the fixture list.

It's fair to say this evening will be tense. Nerves are inevitable for both supporters and players but remaining patient could be the difference.

In the footballing sense, patience in possession and keeping a cool head to avoid shelling the ball forward will be crucial in unlocking the Valur defence. But for fans, it's equally important, while it'd be easy to get carried away by any missed chances or stray balls - a constant positive vocal backing will make an impact.

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Take it from Alex Gogic: "In European football, you just have to say, 'Come on boys let's relax and do what we normally do'.

"We can't get carried away. It's a 90-minute game, it could be longer but hopefully not.

"We have just got to focus on what the gaffer wants us to do."

Take it from Stephen Robinson: "There has to be patience within the stadium as well. We can’t win it in the first five minutes.

"It’s over a long period of time, potentially 120 minutes and penalties, and will be played to a finish so it’s important we remember it’s only our second competitive games. So we’ll approach it in that manner.”

Of course, that's not to whimsically suggest some words of encouragement or critical shouts will win or lose the game. There still remains an onus on the players to perform - but there's little suggestion the scale of this evening will pass them by.

Robinson needs his players to be brave, and supporters must do the same even if things don't go in St Mirren's favour immediately from kick-off.

'Embrace it, don't fear it' were the manager's words yesterday. That should be the mantra for everyone tonight. 

AND ANOTHER THING

A late fitness test for Mika Mandron is a serious concern ahead of tonight's match. The big striker is a key cog in the attack and last season proved to be the best goalscorer Robinson has at his disposal.

Fortunately, striker is not a position in which St Mirren are lacking with Toyosi Olusanya, James Scott, Jonah Ayunga and Lewis Jamieson all available.

If Mandron is fit enough to play then I'd be in favour of taking the risk tonight but should he miss out then there should be enough firepower in reserve.

Olusanya caused Valur all sorts of bother in Reykjavik without scoring while Ayunga and Scott have looked much-improved in pre-season.

AND FINALLY

Far be it to look beyond Valur this evening but the winners of tonight's tie will face Go Ahead Eagles or SK Brann in the next round.

That tie is finely poised at 0-0 after a goalless first leg in the Netherlands.

Kick-off in the second leg in Bergen is at the earlier time of 6pm should you wish to keep an eye on who St Mirren [or Valur] could face in the next round.