SAINTS’ IRISH CONTINGENT A BIG BOOST TO McCARTHY

CONOR McCARTHY believes St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin’s preference for signing Irish players has made it easier for him to settle at the club.

The former Cork City star joined a strong Irish contingent at the SPFL Premiership outfit last January and says the presence of Jamie McGrath, Aaron Connolly, Joe Shaughnessy and club captain Sam Foley in the team has given him confidence that he can make the transition from the League of Ireland.

‘I was quite fortunate that Jamie McGrath moved at the same time as me, so I was able to bounce off him,’ says the native of Blarney, Co. Cork.

‘I wasn’t alone in that respect and over the last couple of months the manager has added more Irish faces and I’m not complaining.

‘The banter is good between us, we get on well both on and off the pitch.

‘It’s been brilliant to play beside Joe every week. He’s very experienced at this level, and played hundreds of games in Scotland and England.

‘The move has lived up to my expectation, I have enjoyed every minute of my time here.’

The 22-year-old (above) will be in the St Mirren defence as they take on Livingston in the Betfred Cup semi-final today.

Their presence at this stage in the competition owes everything to McCarthy’s lastgasp strike against Rangers in the quarter-finals, a landmark goal that stands as the only domestic winner scored against Steven Gerrard’s side this season.

‘The emotions that night were incredible,’ he admits.

‘To concede as late as we did, we were all preparing for extra time. To pop up with that late winner, it was euphoric after the game.

‘I enjoy representing the club and the people of Paisley.

‘It would mean an enormous amount to ourselves and our friends and family if we can win the cup. It would give us a real lift and hopefully we can achieve that on Sunday. ‘

McCarthy is thrilled with his personal development since making the move to Paisley.

‘I have taken my game to another level from where I was back in Cork,’ he said.

‘I played in cup finals and Europe with my previous club, so those experiences can help going into the semi.’