Jim Goodwin had his eyes on the Ireland match on Thursday night – but he was well aware of the St Mirren academy men shining for Scotland.
The Buddies boss takes his side to Queen of the South this afternoon in League Cup action. Looking to build on their 4-1 success over Partick Thistle midweek, Goodwin will aim to take his men one step closer to the knockout stages.
Prior to this one there was international games aplenty as both Goodwin’s Ireland and Scotland played Euro 2020 play-off semi-final matches. It was heartbreak for the St Mirren boss’ nation but Scotland triumphed in their test as they beat Israel 5-3 on spot kicks.
But something was especially pleasing for Goodwin from that. Paisley academy graduates John McGinn and Kenny McLean both scored spot-kicks, the latter scoring the winner, whilst former Saint Lawrence Shankland also netted.
It’s something that shows to Goodwin that St Mirren are doing the right things in terms of developing young players as another former Buddie in Paul McGinn joins the national squad.
“I’m delighted for Scotland as a whole and for those three players now they are one game away from a major tournament,” said Goodwin.
“I was watching the Ireland game and obviously I am extremely disappointed we went out on penalties. I was, however, pleased in particular for those who I know very well, John McGinn took a horrendous penalty! But thankfully it snuck in.
“Kenny McLean had great bottle at the end as well. I heard Paul McGinn has been called up as well so congratulations to him. It gives the whole country a lift.
“It’s something the club have always done well. For any parents out there who have got a young, upcoming talent, I think it’s worth bearing in mind that St Mirren is a good place to send your child to develop.
“If they are good enough they will get opportunities to train with me as I have been doing in the couple of seasons I have been here. We look to do that as often as we can as I think that’s invaluable.”
The next McGinn and McLean?
As far as emerging talent at St Mirren goes, Goodwin’s well aware he has a couple in the wings destined for bigger things. One particular player is Ethan Erhahon, who has cemented himself as a first-team regular this season.
Goodwin believes he could be the next big thing in Paisley as 15-year-old Dylan Reid is also tipped for a massive future: “Ethan was given an opportunity a couple of years ago when he broke onto the scene.
“He had a left-back role which I thought he did well in but his main position is in the centre of midfield. He’s shown since getting a consistent run in the team how good he is capable of being.
“The one that sticks out to me is Aberdeen, I thought he was outstanding. Ethan’s another one we have high hopes for and there’s already a number of clubs enquiring about him.
“He’s as fit, quick and strong as anyone here and he’s another one we are really excited about. But we have a list of four or five really good, young prospects with great potential. We have a young 15-year-old who I can’t wait till he turns 16.
“That won’t be until March but as soon as he turns 16 we will look to give him his debut and make him one of the youngest players in the club’s history. That’s great credit to guys in the academy and its up to me as a manager to give these players an opportunity.”