Kyle can copy Kenny and John and reach EPL
Jim Goodwin helped mould John Mcginn and Kenny Mclean from teenage prospects into Premier League stars.
Now he’s backing Kyle Magennis to make the same journey to the top.
Goodwin was St Mirren captain when Mcginn and Mclean emerged from the club’s youth academy, and he helped guide them through their early years at the club.
One went to Hibs, the other Aberdeen, and now they are turning out with Aston Villa and Norwich City respectively in England’s top flight.
Now boss of the Buddies, Goodwin sees similar traits in Magennis, and believes he can be next to emerge from the talent factory that also produced Stevie Mallan, Stephen Mcginn and Lewis Morgan.
Magennis, 20, has been made captain while Mcginn is out injured, and Goodwin said: “It’s a big season for Kyle after his injury problems in the past year.
“I had a conversation with him during pre-season in Spain, and told him I can see him emulating the likes of John Mcginn and Kenny Mclean.
“Why not? That’s the belief he has to have in his own ability.
“He has all the technical attributes you need. He’s comfortable on the ball, he’s got great energy levels and decent pace.
“Kyle has been playing out on the righthand side, but can also play centrally. And he deserves to have the captain’s armband. He’s got a great attitude in training.
“If he continues with his present form, you’d expect there to be plenty of interest in Kyle as well.
“We’re not in a rush to get rid of him, but the more performances he puts in like last Sunday against Aberdeen, there’s no doubt people will come knocking.
“But he has to work on his fitness. He has to get in that gym to work on his levels and also do more injury-prevention stuff.
“We need to get him off the treatment table, and get a number of games under his belt that will make him stronger.”
Magennis provided the assist for Ilkay Durmus to score in the win over Aberdeen, and Goodwin felt it was the perfect example of the player’s vision.
“He showed great awareness and composure,” said the Saints boss. “A lot of players would just have whipped that across the face and hoped someone would get on the end of it. But he saw Ilkay’s run.
“Good players see those things. Average players don’t.”