Buddies’ Doyle-Hayes in a ‘should I stay, or should I go?’ dilemma
Jake Doyle-Hayes insists St Mirren will thrive next season – whether or not he is still around.
Signed up on a short-term deal in November, the former Aston Villa youth player has been a great pick-up for Jim Goodwin.
Possibly too good, in fact, with the 22-year-old’s eyecatching skills leaving him in a position where his agent is able to explore multiple options for his future when his contract runs out in the summer.
“This move has been everything I expected. I knew it would be a tough league because I’ve been watching it since I was young,” said Doyle-Hayes.
“But it’s been great to get out and play football, 100%. It’s a different level from academy football.
“Like the Kilmarnock game in midweek, they’re down there in the league scrapping for their lives. That brings a different element to the game.
“There’s the pressure of needing to get three points.
“I definitely feel I’ve improved since being here. Even mentally, you need to be so switched on because there’s that pressure of getting the points.
“This can only stand me in good stead for my future.
“I’m a better player now than the one who left Aston Villa. I have matured because in academy football when you lose, it doesn’t really matter.
“Here, it is all about winning and I have definitely matured on the pitch.
“I’m not sure I could get into the Aston Villa team now because they have unbelievable players.
“But I’ve definitely become a better player since I left.
The Irishman argues the St Mirren squad itself is also on the upgrade.
“Whether I stay or not, the future is bright for this club. You see the talent we have in the team, even from the bench,” he said.
“As a team, we’ve just missed out. We came very close in both cups and got pipped for a place in the top six by St Johnstone at the death.
“That has been tough to take but we’ve bounced back and I’m sure next season these lads will really push on.
“We are a very good group, strong mentally – and we can play.
“It’s a young team and the disappointment from this season will definitely spur them on next year.
“They’ll definitely go and make the top six and, hopefully, get another cup run.
“I’ll certainly struggle to find another club with so many Irish boys.
“It’s been brilliant, I’ve really enjoyed my time so we’ll see what happens in the summer.”
While that looks set to involve a return to England where higher wages are available, Doyle-Hayes did offer St Mirren fans some hope he will stick around.
“I love playing in this league because it’s very competitive.
“The top two are further ahead but everyone else is at the same level. We don’t fear anyone else in this league.
“We don’t even fear Rangers and Celtic because we’ve beaten both of them this season.
“This team definitely allows me to play the way I want, especially with the manager’s style.
“That’s important. You have to play in a team that suits you and that’s the case for me here.”