NEW St Mirren signing Jamie McGrath has set his sights on bringing European football back to Paisley after getting a taste for the Continent during his time in Ireland.
The forward, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal yesterday to join countryman Conor McCarthy at Saints, played against the likes of Rosenborg in the Champions League qualifiers during his time at St Patrick’s Athletic and then Dundalk.
And the 23 year-old has his eye now on helping his new team qualify for Europe for the first time in 33 years.
He said: “I loved my time in Irish football, winning leagues and cups and playing in Champions League and Europa League qualifiers. I just felt it was time for a new challenge and I believe this is the right place for me to do that.
“I loved playing in Europe. It was always such a different experience than your average league or cup match. There was always a bit of glamour playing in foreign countries against different styles of opposition.
“Playing in those ties in different stadiums has been the highlight of my career so far. I’ve been involved in matches against the likes of Rosenborg, Qarabag, Dinamo Minsk and Slovan Bratislava and they were all brilliant experiences.
“I’d love to get back into Europe again with St Mirren. I know it won’t be easy to get there through the league or the cup but from chatting with him I can tell the manager is a really ambitious person. He seems very passionate and driven about what he wants to achieve and that matches my personality as well. You always want to strive for the best.”
McGrath, who says his preferred position is just behind the striker, is excited for the new domestic challenges too.
He added: “I can’t wait to go to play at the likes of Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs, as well as in some big games in front of our own fans.
“I was down at the stadium earlier and it’s a really impressive set-up. I heard all about the singing section and how they create an atmosphere so I’m looking forward to hopefully making my debut soon.
“I’d say I’m a Number 10 but I’ve played in all the forward positions before, even as a striker. Once I get on the pitch I’ll be happy to play anywhere. I like to think I bring hard work and a bit of quality as well.
“I’m probably going to have to do a mini pre-season to get going again but I just hope to hit the ground running when I get that opportunity.”
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