LEWIS RECKONS HE CAN BE JUST LIKE JAY
Teenager wants to be a Saints regular after loan-spell success
Lewis Jamieson was delighted to see his fellow academy graduate Jay Henderson make the breakthrough into the St Mirren starting XI last month.
But the talented teenager admits he’s hungry to do the same by forcing his way into manager Jim Goodwin’s plans for next season.
Jamieson has shone during his loan spell with League One side Clyde alongside fellow Saints prospect Josh Jack, making 15 appearances and notching four goals since switching to the Broadwood Stadium in March.
While the 19- yearold forward believes the temporary move to work under ex- Buddies boss Danny Lennon was important for his development this season, he’s determined to return to Paisley and make a name for himself in the Premiership after making his debut against Rangers last August.
Jamieson said: “I’ve really enjoyed it at Clyde, getting back to playing football again.
“It was becoming a bit of a struggle at St Mirren to get into the first team.
“I’m playing again and scoring goals, so it’s been a good move for me.
“At St Mirren, I’ve always felt I’ll get a chance to break through and play.
“I’ve made my debut for the club and next season I just want more opportunities to show what I can do.
“I was on the bench nearly every week before I went out on loan. But I just need a chance to do what Jay is doing now.
“Me and Hendo have been together all the way through. We’ve been really close working our way up. It’s brilliant to see him thrive in the first team now.
“Hopefully it proves that if you’re good enough, the manager will give you a chance.
“He threw me in at the deep end at Ibrox on my debut. So I know there will be opportunities, but I had to get out and play games this season.”
Jamieson hopes his impressive performances will have caught the eye of Goodwin, with the youngster featuring regularly as the Bully Wee look to avoid the drop as their season draws to a close.
The confident kid revealed he sees a future for himself in English football, hoping to follow in the likes of Kenny McLean and John McGinn’s footsteps. He knows he has to earn his stripes at the SMISA Stadium first, revealing his love of the sport first grew when watching Rangers and Hibs train thanks to family friend and former St Mirren midfielder Alan Gow.
Jamieson explained: “My family grew up next to Alan. My dad was a pal of his and his older brother when they were growing up.
“Alan’s always been there for me, he’s helped me a lot.
“When I was younger and he played for Rangers, he’d take me into training at Murray Park.
“He also took me into Hibs when he was there. I remember meeting John Hughes and people like that.
“I was only eight at the time so it was a great experience for me, being in and around those changing rooms.
“Seeing all the big name players, even at that age, made me want to kick on and be a footballer.
“It definitely inspired me, watching training and how the players were. I wanted that lifestyle for myself.
“I realised then there can be nothing better than being a footballer.
“Short term, I want to make more appearances for St Mirren next season and do really well.
“I’ve only got one year left on my contract so it’s a big year for me.
“My long term aim is to eventually play in England. But I know to do that I need to be doing well in the Premiership up here first.”