Keanu Baccus has opened up on his frustration after red tape delayed his switch to St Mirren from Western Sydney Wanderers.
The 24-year-old midfielder agreed a two-year contract with Saints on June 27 but only arrived in the country last Monday after finally being granted his visa.
Despite this he played 75 minutes against FC Edinburgh, contributing an assist and nearly getting on the scoresheet in an impressive debut in Saturday’s 3-1 victory in the Premier Sports Cup.
Speaking to Express Sport, Baccus said it was well worth the wait to make his long-awaited debut for the Saints.
Baccus said: “It’s been annoying, but what can you do? It’s life and you have to follow what the government has to do and say.
“I was trying to keep fit as much as possible. I had a bit of training with the old team and a lot of gym.
“I was trying to do as much as I could but obviously nothing is the same as coming here and playing games, so I have to get up to speed as quickly as I can.
“I was getting guidance, as much as I could. I had to get a few numbers from here and then go through the government process there then here.
“There was a bit of a process and it was always going to take time.
“There was a week or two where it was a bit unsettling and annoying, but you move on.
“I was getting told you couldn’t fast-track the visa and it would take a couple of weeks.
“I had a mate who was coming and his process was a bit quicker, but by the time mine was in it took a bit longer.”
Baccus looks up to former St Mirren midfielder Aaron Mooy, who has just returned to Scotland with Celtic.
Mooy played for Saints between 2010 and 2012, most widely remembered in Paisley for his goal against Rangers in a 2-1 victory on Christmas Eve in 2011.
And Baccus says Mooy is inspirational to every Australian footballer for forging a career in the English Premiership.
Baccus said: “It’s a small world back in Sydney. He’s someone I obviously look up to a little bit.
“With the career he’s had in the EPL and with the Socceroos, and he’s still going well now.
“In terms of talking we’re not close that way. We’ve met a couple of times but don’t talk on a regular basis.
“Aaron went to a sports school, we went to a public school but played a lot of soccer there.”
Baccus went to school with Mooy’s late brother Alex, who passed away last year.
The new Buddies man said Alex was a good player in his own right as he paid tribute.
Baccus added: “His late brother was good as well at the time. He was a good player.
“I grew up with him, it’s just sad it happened the way it did with him and sad for Aaron.
“But I heard they’re getting on okay now and hopefully the future is better for them.”
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