ST MIRREN boss Gus MacPherson is delighted to have tied up highly rated goalkeeper Chris Smith until 2011 - after just one day of negotiations.

The Paisley No.1 has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club for the next three-and-a-half years.

Smith - included in the Scotland Under-21 squad for their trip to Portugal next month - has been ever-present for St Mirren this term.

Mac confirmed: "Chris has signed an extension and we're delighted. He's done well since he's come into the team and this season was a big year for him.

"The deal was done within 24 hours. He spoke to people close to him and came back and was delighted to sign it.

"We brought good competition in, in Mark Howard, but Chris has stood up to that challenge of having someone there pushing him all the way.

"We just felt it was time to reward Chris for his performances."

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock manager Jim Jefferies has warned his players they have to start winning, and soon, or they will risk being dragged into a relegation battle.

The Rugby Park outfit have slipped to second bottom of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, but have a nine-point advantage over bottom club Gretna.

Killie, who face Dundee United tomorrow, have been hit by a series of injuries this season.

Jefferies said: "Relegation is a reality not just for us, but for St Mirren and even Hibs and Hearts have been dragged into it.

"The only way to get out of it is by picking up points and winning games."