St. Mirren boss Jim Goodwin has been delighted with Connor Ronan’s performances since moving to the Buddies on loan from Wolves – and Goodwin thinks the Premier League side have high hopes for the Irishman.
Ronan hit the headlines over the weekend after scoring an absolute screamer against Rangers in the 2-1 defeat by Steven Gerrard’s side and that is something Goodwin believes can help catch the eye of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.
With Jamie McGrath set to miss the next few games for St Mirren after he was injured against Rangers, Ronan won’t be expected to step up any more than he has tomorrow night when the Buddies face Motherwell – despite Goodwin hailing him as a ‘creative spark’ for his side.
His performances for the Saints have Goodwin convinced however that he’s just as capable of performing in the Premier League as former St Mirren duo John McGinn and Kenny McLean when he returns to Wolves next season after his loan comes to an end.
“I don’t think Connor needs to step up anymore than what he’s doing,” Goodwin said.
“He’s been one of our star performers since he’s came in and has scored three goals already.
“He’s a real creative spark for us and his goal at the weekend is one of the candidates for Goal of the Season.
“Wolves have got high hopes for Connor and this is just another step in part of his development.
“Hopefully he finishes this season in a positive manner with ourselves and can go back down to Wolverhampton and force his way in to their plans and become a first-team regular down there.
“I believe he’s good enough – the English Premier League is, of course, a different kettle of fish altogether – but I’ve seen the likes of John McGinn and Kenny McLean go down and be successful.
“I’ve got no reason to believe Connor Ronan can’t do the same. I think he’s worthy of comparing him to (John) McGinn and (Kenny) McLean, I really do.
“Performances like the weekend’s can only benefit Connor in the long run.
“I spoke about the national set-up back home in Ireland – he’s got to be on the radar of Stephen Kenny.
“Stephen knows him well from the Irish U21 set-up and, if he continues to play like he did against Rangers on Sunday, against top opposition and international players, he should.”
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