Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
He’s well Oran his way now
CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers insists he sensed new St Mirren manager Oran Kearney’s ambition after one quick phone call.
The Northern Irish pair have never met but did talk briefly when Kearney rang up his countrymen looking for advice after applying for the Buddies job earlier this summer.
The former Coleraine boss missed out that time as the post was handed to Alan Stubbs. But the drive Rodgers identified during their short conversation has now landed Kearney his opportunity after Stubbs’ sorry Saints stint was called to a halt after just nine games.
Celtic will provide the opposition for Kearney’s first match in charge and Rodgers says he will wish his new rival all the best after tomorrow’s clash.
“I’m very disappointed for Alan and how quickly in the season he’s lost his job,” Rodgers told the Celtic View. “He’s an excellent coach and manager but he’s now gone and Oran Kearney has come in.
“He’ll no doubt look to work closely with the squad to get a bit of momentum going. We expect a tough game and we’ll prepare for that so I’m looking forward to going to the stadium and playing the game.
“I’ve never met Oran but I’ve been aware of his work back home in Ireland. When he first went for the job in the summer, through a mutual friend of ours he wanted a chance to speak and we talked briefly for the first time.
“He was clearly ambitious to move on. He did a very good job at Coleraine and after Friday, I’ll wish him all the best.”