Tanser wants a big say in Buddies’ Euro push
Scott Tanser believes finding his voice has given him a shout of a second crack at European football.
The St Mirren wing-back reckons he is having his best ever season and helping his club qualify for the Europa Conference League would be an achievement to be proud of.
Tanser was asked by manager Stephen Robinson to be more vocal on the pitch this term.
It’s not something that comes naturally to the Englishman, but he found being more communicative has made him a better player.
The 29-year-old admitted: “They put more pressure on me and, being an older player now, I feel I have to step up and be more vocal.
“It helps massively. Maybe 12 years into my career, I’ve realised that. I’ve found my voice. I think I’ve been consistent throughout and playing the best I ever have.
“You talk, you know where players are when they talk to you. It means you don’t have to be looking around and just concentrate on your game.
“When I first started saying more, the other boys said, ‘Oh, you’re chirping up’
but it just comes normal now. You can’t go from quiet to loud without something being said, but it’s all fun and games.
“Maybe I should have said more earlier. I’d always encourage young players to speak up because it will benefit you in the long run.
“I have told them, but’s up to them. It’s the advice I give.
“When you’re younger, you have experienced players around you and you wonder how they will react.
“But you see young players like England’s Jude Bellingham telling people how it is and look where he is now.”
Most of the players in the Buddies’ squad haven’t taken part in European competitions.
One game in Lithuania is the extent of Tanser’s experience and he’s keen for more. He said: “I’ve only played once in Europe. That was when I first came up to Scotland and went with St Johnstone to FK Trakai.
“It was brilliant, a great experience. It was just one game and didn’t go anywhere but I think St Mirren more than deserve to be in that position.
“Last year we proved we are a top-six side, although we relied on other results.
“This season we’ve been in the top six all year. We may have had a slight dip in form at one point, but we stayed in the top six.
“Everyone expected St Mirren to be in the bottom six and to prove them wrong
is brilliant. It was an astropitch when I played abroad with St Johnstone and it was hot.
“It was the national stadium as well, although not the best of national stadiums. I loved the experience.
“It would be amazing to play in Europe. It’s all about exploring different cultures, different stadiums – places you might not normally get to go to.”
If Saints can maintain their grip on fifth place, then a European qualifier will come their way. It would the first time they come up against continental opposition since 1987.
Taking something from today’s home game against Rangers would boost the Buddies’ chance of staying where they are – and ahead of Dundee in the table.
Tanser will be patrolling the left side of the pitch and that will see him come up against James Tavernier.
He has a big respect for his opponent but hopes to get the better of the Ibrox skipper.
He said: “What he’s done with his goals and assists, it can’t go unnoticed.
“He’s obviously a big threat. He is maybe in a position we want to target.
“We’ve played them before and it’s me and Greg Kiltie down that side.
“We’ve worked really well together this season, so we’ll be hoping to carry that on and come out with the three points.
“That would give us a kick-start in the bid for Europe.”