Alex Gogic looks towards Europe after signing new St Mirren deal

Alex Gogic has revealed that it was an easy decision to extend his stay at St Mirren – and he is dreaming about playing in Europe with the team next season.

The 30-year-old signed a new three-year contract on Tuesday, giving Saints a welcome boost ahead of their clash with Kilmarnock on Saturday, when a win would guarantee a place in the Europa Conference League qualifiers next season.

Gogic said that opportunity to play in a continental competition was part of the attraction in committing his future to the club and extending his stay in Scottish football to over a decade.

“There was an option to talk earlier but I wanted to stay focused on the games,” he revealed. “It was an easy decision to stay.

“It does sway you. You don’t get this opportunity every year.

“I do really love it here and my family as well. We’re settled.

“I think I love everything about Scotland, to be honest. The people, the country, not the weather but I’m used to it now. When the sun is out, you can’t beat Scotland.”

The Cypriot international has thrived in Stephen Robinson’s side as they have built on last year’s top six finish. Though used to playing in midfield at previous clubs Hamilton Accies and Hibs, Gogic has played as a defender for his national team.

Robinson’s decision to move the player into the St Mirren back line has paid dividends and though Gogic insists midfield is still his best position, he admits his boss made a decision that’s helped him enjoy his best form.

“I would say it’s definitely my best season to date,” he said. “Maybe it comes with age and experience that you get more calm and learn how to read the game better. Big credit to the gaffer for playing me in that position.

“It’s very important for any player when a manager can trust you so much. It means a lot.”

All attention in Paisley is now fixed on the Premiership run-in and that fight to clinch a place in Europe, with St Mirren five points ahead of challengers Dundee with three games to play.

“It would be amazing,” Gogic said, “I’ve always dreamed about playing in Europe.

“I’ve played for my national team but to play with my actual team in Europe would be a different feeling.”

With his future now settled, the centre-back is looking to build on a successful season and achieve that final goal.

“I think everyone can improve every single day,” he said. “We learn from our mistakes and our losses. We just try and get better and better every year.

“Last season we finished top six but after the split I think we only got two points.

“The gaffer said this year we’ve got to do better and I think we’re doing that. Three games left and hopefully we can finish on a high.

“With the quality we have, the quality I see every day, that should be our goal. Obviously the club is not the biggest in Scotland with budget but with the quality the gaffer brings in, and has brought in the past, we should be able to do that.”