Fans will make the difference
McCarthy delighted as 300 allowed into game
Conor McCarthy insists the St Mirren players are just as desperate to get the fans back in the stands as the supporters are to be back in their seats.
There are three test events lined up for this weekend, as Scottish football looks to gradually and safely introduce fans back into stadiums.
The Saints were delighted to learn that their clash with Hibs made the cut for the events, with around 300 Buddies set to get back inside St Mirren Park on Saturday.
And McCar thy is buzzing for the day when he and his teammates can step back out onto a pitch in front of thousands of fans.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, he said: “It would be unbelievable to get the fans back in the stadium.
“You really notice when the fans aren’t there in the last ten minutes of games.
“When they’re cheering you on it can make a big difference.
“As a player you don’t really notice the crowd during a match, you’re always focused on the game.
“But you notice it at the end of games when you’re tiring especially.
“To give the fans something to shout about after these long, cruel months of staying inside would not only be good for them but also good for us as well.”
St Mirren fans have yet to see the club’s new backline in the flesh, having had to make do with streaming games online so far this season.
McCarthy is making the most of seeing his new teammates up close and personal in training, as he believes he is learning a huge amount from experienced new signings Marcus Fraser, Richard Tait and Jak Alnwick.
He said: “The new guys have made a really big impact. From my own area of the pitch in defence we’ve brought in Marcus, Tait and Jak and I’m learning from them every day.
“It ’ s incredible for my own development, learning off these guys day in and day out.
“They’ve played x, y and z games in the Scottish Premiership so that can only be good for my development and the team’s going forward.
“I’ll definitely be trying to copy a few of Tait’s clearances!
“He’s got such amazing experience that he seems to know how to be in the right place at the right time.
“He puts it down to crossfit, so maybe a few more of the boys need to get on that.”
McCarthy made a big switch from his his native Cork City to move to Paisley in January this year.
Despite the negative impact of coronavirus, he revealed he has still settled well and is enjoying life on Scottish soil so far.
He added: “I love living here. I really like Glasgow and the people have been a real positive for me.
“They’ve been really friendly and I’ve been made to feel so welcome ever since I arrived.”