Former Dungannon Swifts midfielder Oisin Smyth was delighted with a “perfect” home debut for St Mirren after scoring twice in their William Hill Premiership opener against Hibernian.
The 24-year-old came off the bench in the 71st minute, replacing Dennis Adeniran, and within nine minutes of taking the pitch had two goals to his name.
The Saints had already led 1-0 thanks to Roland Idowu’s opener shortly after half-time before Smyth took over, heading in two James Scott crosses in the 78th and 80th minutes for his double to lead his side to a 3-0 win to kick off the campaign.
It was an ideal way for the former Northern Ireland Under-21 international to introduce himself to the home faithful at The SMISA Stadium and afterwards a beaming Smyth was overjoyed to make such an impact after coming on.
“That’s what we want to do when we come on and all credit to James Scott both times for picking me out. Two great passes,” hailed the ex-Stagnmore Park ace.
“Unreal. It’s exactly what you want on your home League debut. It was perfect. That was what we wanted, a win and a clean sheet – what more could we ask for?”
Manager Stephen Robinson was also thrilled with his substitutes – Scott having also been a second-half introduction – having such a big say in the result as he watched his side begin their season with the perfect result.
Having finished fifth in the Premiership last season, their best finish since 1985, Robinson and his side are aiming to crack the top-four this season and the Lisburn man knows he will need his whole squad pulling their weight to do so.
“I was really happy with our subs, Oisin coming on, James coming on just to mention a couple of them,” praised Robinson.
“(Other people) don’t see the work they’re doing in the background and the staff are doing with them to get them ready. They haven’t played football in a long time, it’s been a long break since the season ended in England.
“I’m delighted with both James and Oisin, they’re going to be a big part of what we’re doing going forward. When Oisin came on, fantastic finishes, James’ work ethic for the two goals. I can’t ask much more from them.
“Now we have decisions on who plays and that’s what you want in a small 20-man squad, everyone fighting for a place and not thinking they’ll start every game. That’s not how it’s going to be this season.”
The win was made even more impressive due to St Mirren’s hectic schedule at present, which saw them defeat Icelandic side Valur in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday night, then rebound quickly to defeat Hibernian.
They will have to do the same thing this week, too, with Norwegian outfit Brann coming to Paisley on Thursday night for the third qualifying round prior to a Premiership trip to Aberdeen next Sunday, and Robinson is seeing some important characteristics developing within his squad.
“It’s always good to get started with a win, a convincing win as well,” he added.
“I thought first half we looked a little bit jaded, a hangover from the other night, and the boys took a little bit of time to get into the game. We said to them at half-time to move the ball a little quicker and to have ownership on the ball and get into areas that hurt them. We did that and credit to the boys for digging in.
“It’s tough when these games come thick and fast but they managed the game really well. Our group are maturing really well.”