Ryan Flynn believes St Mirren’s Aussie arrivals already have all the motivation they need to dig out their passports again.
Keanu Baccus and Ryan Strain are both hoping their switch to the Scottish Premiership with the Saints will help them fight their way into Australia’s World Cup squad ahead of Qatar 2022 kicking off in November.
That will only happen if they perform well for the Buddies first and foremost.
And St Mirren midfielder Flynn believes that extra incentive to shine in the stripes will help both them and the Paisley club in the build up to Qatar.
Speaking exclusively to Express Sport, Flynn said: “The new boys that have come in have all settled very quickly.
“That’s very positive. You could see from our performance against Motherwell they’ll give us an awful lot throughout the season.
“Big Jonah Ayunga almost got on the scoresheet again. He’ll be a big player for us.
“Keanu Baccus was full of energy. He was excellent, getting to second balls, breaking up the play and driving the team forward.
“Ryan Strain on the right-hand side was brilliant as well. That’s definitely a positive going forward. I’m sure Keanu and Ryan will both be hugely motivated to get in the Australia team in time for the World Cup. It would be fantastic for them.
“For their own benefit first and foremost, but also for ourselves. They’ll be desperate to play well and get themselves in that squad.
“I hope the two of them do put the performances in from now until the World Cup and prove they’re good enough to get there.
“For them to play at the World Cup as St Mirren players would be brilliant for them and the club.”
If Baccus and Strain can convince Australia coach Graham Arnold they’re worthy of a spot in his squad, they’ll be preparing to take on reigning world champions France in November, as well as Denmark and Tunisia.
Before that they have to prove their worth in Scotland, with both likely to feature against Aberdeen tomorrow after strong performances in their Premiership debuts against Motherwell.
While Flynn insists there’s no bad blood between himself and Jim Goodwin, who left the Saints to take over at Pittodrie earlier this year, the 33-year-old admits he’d love to pick up a win for the Paisley club’s supporters.
Flynn said: “Jim Goodwin did well here. We were doing well at the end of last year and he got his move to Aberdeen on the back of that.
“That’s credit to him and good luck to him.
“But I’m sure next weekend we’ll be looking to make our mark and take all three points.
“The fans would like that, that’s for sure.”
