Sophie Cannon insists she’s happy to play a supporting role to St Mirren Women number one Jo Casey. That’s because the determined youngster believes she’ll learn a huge amount from the Buddies keeper as she continues to chase her dream of full-time football.
Shot-stopper Cannon joined the Saints just last month from Paisley rivals Gleniffer Thistle. While still eagerly awaiting her debut for the club, the 20-year-old revealed she’s already picking up tips from fellow goalie Casey.
And Cannon is determined to kick her football career on after being sold on making the switch to the Buddies by head coach Kate Cooper.
She told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “I was at Gleniffer Thistle for around five years. It was getting to a point where I felt I needed a change and I heard St Mirren were looking for a second goalkeeper.
“It was perfect timing and it was an easy decision after I’d spoken to the manager. She told me all about the club and how hard they’re working behind the scenes.
“It’s clear they’re very serious about what they do and I want to be somewhere like that and involved in that.
“I haven’t played yet, but there’s only been two games since I joined. Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long to make my debut. It doesn’t phase me being brought in as a number two. I’m still young and I’ve enjoyed working with Jo already.
“We’ve already built up a good relationship and I feel like I’m learning from her. She’s very experienced so I know I can keep picking things up from her.
“It’s every player’s dream to play full-time. I’m not going to put pressure on myself, but I would love to make it to that level one day.”
Cannon, who works in a nursery in Bridge of Weir, began her football career at Port Glasgow Juniors, surprisingly as a striker. After a stint between the sticks, the youngster quickly realised she was destined to be a keeper.
And now she hopes to help St Mirren continue their impressive campaign, starting with this Sunday’s SWF League One clash against Dundee West at Mossedge.
Cannon said: “There aren’t many young kids who want to be a goalkeeper. When I was growing up I actually always wanted to be a striker!
“I ended up being asked to go in goals at my first club when I was about 11 and I just loved it. I’ve always been a keeper since that moment.
“The main thing for St Mirren now is to keep progressing. The top six in our division is very tight and we’ve got to aim to finish as high as we possibly can.
“Personally I just want to keep learning this season, pick things up from Jo and hopefully get game time.”
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