Stephen Robinson delighted to add 'highly sought after' Conor McMenamin to St Mirren squad

St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has expressed his delight at landing Northern Ireland international Conor McMenamin – and thanked the player for lowering his wage demands to drive the deal through.

The 27-year-old winger, who has six international caps, has signed a two-year deal in Paisley after agreement on an undisclosed fee was reached with Glentoran for his transfer.

McMenamin has travelled to Scotland after and impressive time with the Northern Irish side that saw him make 109 appearances, score 42 goals and provide 25 assists.

The attacker had played in Europa League and Europa Conference League qualifying in his time with Glentoran and previously at Cliftonville, and Robinson believes he has landed a talented player.

“We’re excited to have him,” the Saints manager said. “He’s arguably been the best player in the NIFL for two or three seasons now and was highly sought after.

“We’ve signed a very good footballer that can play in numerous positions. He can play right through the middle, as a wing-back and in behind the striker, so we’ve got a really versatile player who can score goals and create chances.

“”In certain games last year, we lacked a wee bit of brilliance where someone can score out of nothing. We’re hopeful he’s the little spark you need sometimes in games like that.”

Talks to bring the player to Paisley weren’t quick and Robinson praised the player and his agents for their willingness to compromise to make the move happen. The manager said it shows how keen McMenamin was to join the club.

“It’s been a protracted negotiation but I have to pay a lot of credit to Conor himself and his agent Brian Adair and Keith Gillespie,” the manager said.

“They made the deal work by taking a little bit less and sacrificing their agency fee and less wages than initially agreed. That shows a real desire to come to St Mirren.

We’ve worked very hard for him and credit to the agents and the player. It’s really refreshing to see an attitude where money wasn’t everything to make the deal work and honesty from an agent.”

McMenamin told the club website he was thrilled to be joining the club and looking forward to showing what he can do in the Premiership.

“I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s been a long few weeks back-and-forth, and I’m really happy to have it over the line. I can’t wait to get going.

“The manager wants me to be who I am and play the way I can play. He knows my strengths and I’m going to try and bring my strengths to the team.