Yahoo News Former Dungannon Swifts star Oisin Smyth explains the factors behind St Mirren switch
Oisin Smyth said there were a "few factors" which caught his attention after completing a move to St Mirren. The former Dungannon Swifts star makes the switch to the Scottish Premiership from Oxford.
The 24-year-old played 25 times for the Sky Bet League One play-off champions last season. Smyth though has decided to make the switch to the Saints penning a two-year deal at St Mirren Park.
Smyth will link up with manager Stephen Robinson and Northern Ireland internationals Caolan Boyd-Munce and Conor McMenamin at the Buddies. And he highlighted a number of reasons why he was keen to make the move north.
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Speaking to the club website, Smyth said: “I’ve been very impressed with the facilities. I just can’t wait to get going now and get playing.
“Following the club last season and seeing how well they did was a massive factor. There were a few factors that caught my attention so I’m glad to get the deal over the line.
“My initial chats with the manager were very positive. The main thing we spoke on was development and how he is able to make players better.
“Game time was a massive factor for me. I wanted to come here and play and enjoy football again so that’s the main aim.
“I’ve had a few different roles where I’ve played deeper and I’ve played further forward as well. I’m happy to pop up wherever I’m needed.
"I know Caolan well. I would stay in touch with him regularly. He spoke very well about the players, the staff and the club in general. I'm at that stage where I just can't wait to get going."
The Saints finished fifth last season securing a place in the Europa Conference League. Boss Robinson believes Smyth can add to the young talent they already have.
"I believe Oisin is another really good footballer," he said. "He’s someone I know from back home. He got a good move to Oxford but didn’t play as much as he wanted and comes in at that age bracket we like.
"It’s another younger player and hopefully we’ll create another asset for the football club that we believe can get better and better with game time and coaching. "He can play in numerous different positions, he can play as a six or an eight.
"After losing Keanu [Baccus] and [Hyeokkyu] Kwon, I believe it’s a really good signing and bolsters our midfield again. That’s three players in and our squad is looking strong.
"It’s now about waiting to see what other players and positions come up. At the minute we are really happy with the business that we’ve done."
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