Jim Goodwin is adamant he wants star player Jamie McGrath’s future resolved sooner rather than later.
That’s because he fears the ongoing speculation around the Ireland international could unsettle the harmony within the St Mirren dressing room.
McGrath was left out of the matchday squad for Wednesday night’s trip to Tannadice to take on Dundee United, with Goodwin revealing after full-time the newspaper inches he’s been getting have been “messing” with the 25-year-old’s head.
English sides Birmingham City and Wigan have both been credited with an interest in the talented playmaker, who recently turned down the opportunity to join Premiership rivals Aberdeen on a pre-contract deal.
Having beaten the Terrors 2-1 on Wednesday night to finally get back to winning ways after three months without a victory, Goodwin now wants a decision from McGrath’s representatives one way or the other as he revealed he only wants players at the SMISA Stadium who are fully committed to the Paisley club’s cause.
Goodwin told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “Jamie did not feel that his head was in the right place for the game.
“If Jamie McGrath is available then Jamie plays, it’s as simple as that.
“But it’s not about any individual. I need boys who are 100 per cent committed to the St Mirren cause.
“It doesn’t matter who they are, whether they are the most experienced player, the youngest player or the best player. It doesn’t matter.
“It’s about the team and Jamie wasn’t in a good place.
“There’s been a lot of speculation and it’s been messing with his head. We will need to get it resolved as soon as possible.
“If he’s here then he’s all in for St Mirren.
“If he’s not we will need to get a deal done pretty quickly and get him moved on.”
One man who appeared to thrive in McGrath’s absence was summer recruit Greg Kiltie.
Having arrived from Kilmarnock at a point when the Ireland international looked destined to leave, the creative midfielder has found opportunities in his favoured playmaker position hard to come by so far in Paisley.
Having bagged two assists in Wednesday night’s win, Goodwin is confident he can now make his mark on the team having linked up to great effect with former Kilmarnock teammate Eamonn Brophy at Tannadice.
Goodwin said: “Greg Kiltie is one of a number of players who have had to wait very patiently for their opportunity.
“I’ve been very loyal to a number of players in terms of team selection over the last 20 games, prior to the Dundee United game.
“We had the winter break and I had time to reflect and analyse certain games and we came up with a system we thought would suit against Dundee United.
“I’m not saying we’re never going to go back to playing a back three again, but it suited us and I’m delighted we got the win.
“I’ve got such a huge sense of relief I can’t even enjoy it.
“I’ve waited so long to taste what victory feels like again and I’m really, really pleased for the players and all the supporters that came through.”
