(Photo by John Berry/Getty Images)
St Mirren legend Barry McLaughlin thinks Buddies boss Jim Goodwin might be better off trying to move Irish midfielder Jamie McGrath as soon as possible as he compared him with French World Cup winner Paul Pogba.
McGrath pulled out of the midweek clash with Dundee United amid speculation over his future and former Buddies skipper McLaughlin believes it would be better having someone who is “desperate” to play for Jim Goodwin’s side.
While the Paisley legend is confident Goodwin will know what the player is thinking better than anyone, he can understand why McGrath’s head has been turned by links with the likes of Wigan and Birmingham City.
“It just depends on the character of the player, doesn’t it?” McLaughlin said [Football Scotland].
“Some players can justify it with getting injured and not wanting to risk a move.
“Jim Goodwin knows his character better than anyone, but some boys have the character to play on regardless and go out on a high, do the best for the fans and all that.
“Some boys will go the other way so if he’s one of these characters he’s not really going to give everything.
“But, at the end of the day, he’s got a family to take care of and with a good move he’ll probably get a wage increase and all these sort of things, so you can understand the thinking.
“It’s a short career.
“But, if he’s of that mindset, you’re probably better moving a boy on and bringing in someone who’s desperate to play and giving everything he’s got.
“If he’s the other way and he’s a good character and a good lad, wanting to go out on a high and taking St Mirren to the top six for instance, because his ability is very good, why would you not keep a boy like that?
“It’s down to individual character and that’s Jim’s call.
“If he’s a Paul Pogba-type character you’re maybe better moving him on!”
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