Former Saints hero Steven Thompson knows a thing or two about banging in goals in the stripes.
So when the now BBC presenter says a player has serious quality in front of goal, his claim carries some serious weight.
Thompson also believes playmaker Connor Ronan is the “outstanding candidate” for this year’s Paisley Daily Express player of the year award, as he today completes the shortlist alongside Joe Shaughnessy, Jak Alnwick and Greg Kiltie.
Ronan swept the board at the club’s official awards ceremony after the Wolves loanee smashed in eight goals from midfield, tying striker Eamonn Brophy for this season’s golden boot.
One of those strikes also bagged him goal of the season, a stupendous long-range effort against Hearts in the Scottish Cup.
Thompson also voted his sensational effort against Rangers as his Premiership goal of the season for Sportscene.
And he told Express Sport: “Connor is just so intelligent and so comfy on the ball.
“When Saints were at their best this season it was largely down to him.
“He posed such a goal threat and his quality and accuracy in front of goal really stood out for me. When you’ve not got a striker who is banging in a solid amount of goals, you rely on them coming from elsewhere and he really delivered for St Mirren this season.
“I gave him goal of the season for his thunderous effort against Rangers, but his goal against Hearts was equally impressive. The accuracy of his strikes is incredible.
“There’s real similarities between him and Jamie McGrath. They were both fantastic signings but unfortunately, like McGrath, we’ve only been able to enjoy them for a short period of time.
“He might not break into the Wolves team next season, but I can see him doing very well at an English Championship club on loan. From there he has a really bright future ahead of him.”
Saints boss Stephen Robinson wishes he could have had a whole midfield of Ronans as he feels the 24-year-old could shine in any position in the middle of the park.
He also compared him to Northern Ireland and Rangers legend Steven Davis as a complete package for a manager.
Robinson said: “Connor is a truly excellent player.
“He’s a real creative spark and I honestly could have done with about five of him!
“He’s a very good trainer, he’s a super goalscorer and he’s got fantastic vision as well.
“You could play him as a deeper lying midfielder or a more attacking one, he’s good enough to play all over the midfield.
“The best compliment I can give him is that he reminds me of Steven Davis, who I played alongside and then coached for Northern Ireland.
“Like Steven he’s just so intelligent on and off the ball, a manager’s dream really.
“We’d have loved to have kept him but I know there are a hell of a lot of clubs interested in him, unsurprisingly.
“I can actually see him playing abroad again and I’m sure wherever he goes he’ll make an impact
again.”
Cast your vote for the Paisley Daily Express St Mirren player of the year now below! Voting closes at midnight on Sunday, May 22.
