Tony Fitzpatrick believes Keanu Baccus will return to St Mirren a “much better player” after going toe-to-toe with world champions France.
While former Saints stars like Gordon McQueen, Archie Gemmill and Frank McAvennie went on to play at the World Cup after departing Paisley, on Tuesday night Baccus significantly became the first to do so while still on the club’s books.
Coming on late in the second half, Baccus’ second Australia cap couldn’t have been much more special as the 24-year-old found himself up against current champions Kylian Mbappe and co on the world’s biggest football stage in Qatar.
Buddies legend Fitzpatrick revealed it was an emotional moment to hear St Mirren’s name announced to a worldwide audience when the Socceroos midfielder was introduced late on in the 4-1 defeat.
And the club ambassador predicts an even brighter future for the ex-Western Sydney Wanderers star, who he feels sacrificed a lot to make the bold switch from Down Under to Scotland in the summer that has led him all the way to Qatar.
Speaking exclusively to Renfrewshire Live Sport, Fitzpatrick said: “It was a fantastic moment. It’s magnificent for the club and, of course, for the kid himself.
“When the commentators announced it was Baccus of St Mirren coming on, the hairs on the back of my neck did stand up.
“Usually at the World Cup it’s guys from Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG. On Tuesday night it was St Mirren getting mentioned and that’s a hugely proud moment for us all.
“For Keanu I think it shows his decision to move to St Mirren has undoubtedly been proven right.
“He deserved this shot. He’s a great example for all aspiring young footballers because he’s got such a strong mindset.
“Getting to the top means sacrifice and hard work. He decided to leave his home country and his family to try and prove himself in the Scottish Premiership and it’s worked wonders for him.
“To face top players like he did against France, guys like Mbappe and Griezmann, is phenomenal. It will give him so much confidence going forward.
“He’s an ambitious guy and this will drive him on even more. He will definitely come back to us a much better player, I’ve no doubt about that.”
Fitzpatrick admits he couldn’t believe it’s taken so long for a serving St Mirren player to feature at a World Cup.
While the likes of Campbell Money and Frank McGarvey came mighty close after being on agonising standby lists for Scotland, Fitzpatrick believes Baccus getting game time at this World Cup will be a huge boost for the Buddies going forward – particularly in terms of recruitment.
He said: “I was definitely surprised Baccus was the first Saints player to ever make a World Cup appearance.
“In 1978 I know we had players on the standby list that were hugely unfortunate to just miss out.
“It’s another step forward for the club. We’re on an upward surge and it’s important to keep this going.
“The last few years we’ve had a lot more international players in the squad, which shows how much stronger we’re getting as a team.”
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