Obika expects players to be on best behaviour now

ST MIRREN striker Jon Obika will be surprised if any other players breach coronavirus protocols following Nicola Sturgeon’s stark warning.

Obika and his team-mates had their midweek game against Celtic postponed after Hoops defender Boli Bolingoli made a flying visit to Spain and failed to quarantine himself before playing against Kilmarnock.

The rule breach followed a costly night out from eight Aberdeen players and sparked a warning from the First Minister, who declared Scottish football risked being shut down if another similar incident happened.

Both Celtic and Aberdeen, plus the players involved, have now been hit with disciplinary action from the Scottish football authorities and Obika feels the stakes are so high that all players will adhere to the guidelines.

“We all know our responsibilities, what we have to uphold,” he said ahead of today’s Scottish Premiership clash at Hamilton.

“We know we are being watched, especially at this point in time, we are being watched a lot more closely because our actions can also affect other people.

“The gaffer reiterates to us a few times over the week, but the players know even without these things happening that we are role models to a lot of people and we have to be responsible not only for ourselves but others too.

“We have been told to stay in our own bubbles from training ground to home and we want everyone to follow rules.

“After the incidents, I’ll be surprised if these things happen again.

“I know the First Minister said it’s a yellow card, so we know what’s next.”

Meanwhile, Hakeem Odoffin has enjoyed a seamless transition from Livingston to Hamilton to take the next step in his career.

The 22-year-old defender, who started out in Tottenham’s youth system, played 18 months at the Lions before moving to Accies this summer on a contract until 2021.

Looking forward to the visit of St Mirren in the Premiership on Saturday, Odoffin, who has had previous spells at Northampton, Eastleigh, Wolves and Barnet, said: “It was actually really easy. It was seamless.

“It is still up in Scotland and I have played in the league before.

“Everyone has been brilliant since I got here. They are nice people, good lads, and the gaffer has been great.” just the