Paisley Daily Express

Jamie has the quality of a Celtic player... I’m not surprised he’s in demand

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Saints boss Jim Goodwin sees in-demand Jamie McGrath in the same mould as Celtic stars Ryan Christie and David Turnbull.

The St Mirren midfielder has scored 15 goals this season and attracted interest from England and Scotland, with Aberdeen and Peterborou­gh both being linked with a summer move.

The 24- year- old Irishman scored an equalising penalty in the last minute of extra time on Monday night’s quarter-final Scottish Cup clash.

He also got the Buddies off to a great start in the penalty shootout against Kilmarnock, which Saints went on to win.

None of which surprises St Mirren boss Goodwin in the slightest.

He told Express Sport: “Jamie, for me, is a Celtic player.

“I look at some of the lads who are there now, the likes of Turnbull, McGregor, Christie.

“I can see Jamie being in and amongst that level of player.

“I don’t want Jamie leaving here and going down to League One in England just because they might double his money.

“If he is going to leave here, I want it to be to a top club that’s going to compete and win things, help him progress and take his game to the next level again.

“We are fortunate that we’re not in a position where we need to sell.

“There’s no pressure being put on me by the board that we need to get £500,000 in the summer to balance the books.

“We’ve done well here financiall­y this year considerin­g everything we’ve been through with the pandemic and no fans. “The cup runs have certainly helped. “If we can get one step further and get to the Scottish Cup final, we might even show a positive return.

“Jamie’s not daft. He’ll make the right decision. He’s got good people advising him and he knows I’ll always be upfront and honest with him as well.

“I won’t stand in his way off going to a bigger and better club, but I don’t want to lose him.”

I look at some of the lads who are there now, the likes of Turnbull, McGregor and Christie. I can see amongst that level Jim Goodwin

 ??  ?? Honest
Saints gaffer Goodwin
Talented Celtic player David Turnbull
Impressive Ryan Christie
Honest Saints gaffer Goodwin Talented Celtic player David Turnbull Impressive Ryan Christie

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