Kirk’s one of the best
Gaffer Goodwin’s got faith in Broadfoot
It was a momentous occasion for Kirk Broadfoot when he stepped on the pitch as a St Mirren player for the first time since returning to Paisley.
After more than 200 games for Rangers, Kilmarnock, Blackpool and Rotherham, as well as picking up four caps for his country, the affable defender made his official return to action on Saturday after 12 years.
Gaffer Jim Goodwin believes Saints fans are delighted to see him back, as he still rates 35-year-old Broadfoot as one of the best defenders in the country.
He said: “Kirk has played at the top level. He’s as fit as any of the boys in the squad.
“He’s been fantastic in training so far. He’s everything that I hoped for when I signed him.
“He’s a good leader and a great organiser.
“He demands a lot of the players out on the training pitch.
“He’s one of the top centre-halves in the country still.
“He’ll be a great addition for us.” Broadfoot made his first appearance from the bench last weekend, replacing the injured Gary MacKenzie.
While he was powerless to help the Buddies leave the Highlands with a point, Goodwin insists Broadfoot will be a more than able deputy should MacKenzie miss Saturday’s clash with Hamilton.
Goodwin said: “He did fine when he came on against Ross County.
“It’s difficult coming on as a defender into any game — especially a game like that where the conditions were terrible and we were pushed back with the wind.
“Kirk wasn’t at fault for any of the goals. He’s a good, experienced head.
“If we do need to go without MacKenzie, then I don’t think we could have a much better replacement.”
Whoever forms the centre- back partnership on Saturday, Goodwin is desperate for his side to return to the stubborn form that only lost two goals in their opening three games against Hibs, Aberdeen and Rangers.
He added: “We’ve just got to cut out the soft goals.
“In the opening three games, we were really hard to beat. We were resilient against Hibs, Aberdeen and Rangers.
“Unfortunately, in the last two games, we’ve conceded four goals.
“We’re working hard on eradicating that. I believe the goals are avoidable.
“It would be a different story if we were standing here feeling Livingston or Ross County are miles better than us.
“But I don’t believe that to be the case. I believe we’re as good, if not better, than them, but we need to be better in both boxes.”
Kirk has played at the top level. He’s as fit as any of the boys in the squad
Jim Goodwin