Gaffer Jim reckons he has got the best
He continued: “I’m led to believe a bid came in from Qarabag of Azerbaijan a few weeks ago.
“It wasn’t anywhere near where we would expect it to be. We have a valuation of the player that hasn’t been matched, simple as that.
“Come January, who knows. Someone could come in with a ridiculous bid and then we’ll have to sit down and look at it.
“For the time being we are delighted to have him.
“We need to be realistic about it, he has done well for the club and, hopefully, will do so again this season.
“But if somebody bigger and better comes along and is going to make him a financial offer that is too good to turn down, we can’t deny him that opportunity.
“While we have him I think we’ve got to cherish him, look after him and continue to get the best out of him.”
This afternoon will be the first time Goodwin has gone head-to-head with Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.
The St Mirren gaffer admits he grew up as a Liverpool fan and often watched Gerrard in action during his time on the books of Stockport County.
Goodwin said: “As a captain, you have to be a leader to set good standards on and off the pitch.
“I’d imagine he demands high standards of the boys in training and won’t let much go if guys drop below what he expects.”
Ask any of the St Mirren players and they’ll tell you that’s exactly the approach they’ve encountered since Goodwin took over from Oran Kearney.
“I have been at clubs when you come in on a Monday, after a Saturday game, and it’s a stroll around the pitch, a cup of coffee, read the paper, then up the road,” he said.
“I’m not into that. If we make the effort to come in here and I make the effort to put on a session, we want it to be done properly.
“It has been consistent from day one – no mixed messages.
“The boys know what they have to do. We’ve told them if they don’t fancy it, they can come and see us and we’ll move them on.
“As yet, nobody has come to see us. “I made a career out of being fit. I say that to the boys, particularly the young ones.
“If you are as fit as you possibly can be and have ability to go with it, you’ll have a really good career.” ▪
It has taken Gary MacKenzie more than 15 years to play a game against Rangers.
The St Mirren centre-back last graced a fixture featuring the Ibrox men when he was wearing Light Blue.
He made two appearances for Rangers in 2004, before going on to play for Dundee, MK Dons, Blackpool and Doncaster Rovers.
Had it not been for injuries, MacKenzie might have gone on to greater things.
He was selected for Scotland squads in 2011 and 2012, but didn’t get the chance to play for his country.
The 33-year-old was out for nearly a year with an Achilles’ problem before returning to help the Buddies beat the drop at the end of last term.
The chance to face Rangers today is one he’s very grateful for.
The big defender said: “I think as long as you’re playing, you want to play at the highest level you can. That’s your motivation when you’re injured.
“There are dark days when you get a setback or don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. You think: ‘Enough’s enough’.
“But being a football man all my life, you need to find something that motivates you, drives you back and gets you to the top of your game. That’s playing in the big games and trying to prove your worth to your own team, and everyone that’s watching.”
MacKenzie stepped out of the shadows in March when he was brought into the St Mirren team to face Dundee. He turned in a Man-of-the-Match performance and became a fixture in the defence.
“I didn’t ever doubt my ability as a footballer,” MacKenzie went on.
“What has held me back in my career has been injury. It has set me back so many times.
“I know if I’m fit and playing well, I can help the team. Last season, it was just a case of staying fit and helping the boys get to where we wanted to be last season.
“I hoped that would earn me another year here and justify giving me a contract.
“The Board thought it did and I’m looking to repaying them with a good season and playing as many games as I can.
“We will have to be on our A-game against Rangers. They have threats all over the park, from back to front.
“You have to be switched on, but I think the best performances we’ve put on this season are where we’ve managed to do that and frustrated teams.
“That will be the plan and it won’t change against Rangers.”