THERE’S A POTENTIALLY big evening ahead for two players who have said farewell to the League of Ireland since the 2019 season concluded.
They were once rivals during their time at Cork City and Dundalk respectively, but Conor McCarthy and Jamie McGrath are now team-mates at St Mirren.
Earlier this month, the pair were signed by the Scottish Premiership club, who are managed by once-capped ex-Ireland international Jim Goodwin.
Both players debuted for their new club on Saturday. McCarthy started at centre-back and midfielder McGrath was introduced after an hour of a 3-0 Scottish Cup win at home to non-league outfit Broxburn Athletic.
However, St Mirren are in for a much sterner test this evening. On the back of the winter break, Scottish Premiership action resumes for Goodwin’s side with a trip to Ibrox to face Rangers.
While St Mirren are only a point clear of relegation danger in 10th, Rangers are well-placed in second. Although they trail Old Firm rivals Celtic by two points, Steven Gerrard’s side have the advantage of a game in hand to come.
“I had a wall full of Steven Gerrard photos growing up, he was my idol since I was about four or five,” McGrath told The42 after completing his move to St Mirren.
The 23-year-old Meath native joined Dundalk from St Patrick’s Athletic in 2017. He won two Premier Division titles, one FAI Cup and two League Cups during his three seasons at Oriel Park. McGrath was also named PFAI Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard issues instructions from the touchline at Ibrox.
Source: Andrew Milligan
Of the prospect of facing a team managed by a Liverpool legend at a ground with a 50,000 capacity, the ex-Ireland U21 international added: “Playing against a team managed by Stevie G is only a perk. Inside I might be dying to get a photo but I’m not there as a fan.
“It’s funny to think he might be discussing me now when he’d be doing opposition analysis, but you can’t be overawed by that. If you let that swallow you up and get the better of you, you won’t be able to perform. And I want to show what I can do here.”
McCarthy was signed by St Mirren as a replacement for Sean McLoughlin, his former defensive partner at Cork City. Having impressed while on loan in Scotland, McLoughlin was recently recalled by parent club Hull City.