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Obika slams pub league claims
St Mirren striker Jonathan Obika has blasted claims the Scottish Premiership is a “pub league”.
The Englishman moved north in the summer after spells at Swindon Town and Oxford United and is enjoying his first taste of football in Scotland.
Many commentators and supporters down south like to brand football in Scotland as substandard, but the 28-yearold disagrees.
“That’s unfair,” he said.
“A lot of people won’t have experienced it properly and, if they came here, they’d see there is lot of quality.
“It’s very tactical and League One in England, where I’ve played in the past, is probably less tactical.”
Obika has starred in all four of the Buddies’ league games so far this season and, despite not finding the back of the net, he is relishing the challenging nature of the league.
“It’s what I expected, having watched games in the past,” the frontman explained.
“It’s very physical. Everyone gives their all for the 90 minutes, so you have to always be switched on.
“I’m enjoying that as I like the physicality.” Obika started his career at Tottenham Hotspur and played for England in his age group.
He doesn’t regret his move north, but hopes the long trip to the Highlands this weekend brings a complete St Mirren performance after his initial bedding in period.
“It’s been very good so far,”he added. “I’ve enjoyed it. The gaffer is fantastic. The staff have been very welcoming and we’ve done a lot of hard work at training.
“I feel our performances are something to build on. We’ve now gelled a lot and, hopefully, now you’ll see the best of us.”
When quizzed on Saturday’s opponents in Dingwall, Obika joked: “I know Ross County is a long journey!”
He added: “From the clips I’ve seen, they look like a good team.
“I’m hoping to get off the mark up there. “I’m putting in a lot of work at training and I’m looking forward to getting back on the pitch.”