Flashback It’s all rough and tumble
Argentinian ace Franco Miranda revealed he was loving life in the SPL – despite being on the receiving end of a horror challenge from Hibs’ Dean Shiels.
The 22-year-old admitted it took him a bit of time to get used to the rough and ready nature of the Scottish game.
But the then on-loan Helsingborgs star, who quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite among the Love Street faithful, relished the physical aspect of the game on these shores.
Miranda said: “The SPL is a very physical and a quick league and I love that.
“There are a lot of hard tackles during the games and the ball just flies up and down the park the whole time.
“In Argentina, players are physical but it’s a more technical game there. St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition — and a history to match.
They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Today, we look back at how Argentinian Franco Miranda fared in his first few matches for Saints in August 2007.
“Although Scottish football is tough, I love this type of play. I also think the standard of football in the SPL is higher than most people think.”
Miranda had been involved in a fair few skirmishes since making his first St Mirren start against Inverness in August 2007. It took him only 19 minutes to endear himself to the supporters with a debut goal.
He then picked up bookings against Celtic and Hibs and was also saw red in the 2-0 defeat at Dundee United in September.
Miranda had been on the receiving end too, with Shiels receiving a straight red card for a lunge on the Argentine at Easter Road.
All in all, it’s fair to say he proved himself to be no shrinking violet when he came face-to-face with the SPL’s hard men.
And Miranda admitted he found it difficult to keep his head and avoid the wrath of referees.
He added: “The strikers here are very quick and, if you make one tackle, you can get a card,
“So, it’s quite difficult not to get booked.”
I also think the standard of football in the SPL is higher than most people think