St Mirren fans urge boss to give Chris Innes a shot in Celtic game

Nov 27 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

SAINTS fans have been eager to make a case for the defence on Buddie Banter this week – and are urging Buddies boss Gus MacPherson to hand Chris Innes another start against Celtic at Parkhead tomorrow.

Innes secured a point for St Mirren against Hibs last weekend when his well-aimed header from a Jack Ross free-kick seconds before the break found the net.

It was his first goal for the Paisley club and earned a 1-1 draw with the men from Easter Road.

Now there are plenty of Saints fans who are keen to see the former Gretna and Livingston defender retain his place in the team for tomorrow’s trip to Parkhead.

Darren Cowie, of Shortroods, Paisley said: “Big Innes has turned out to be a great signing for St Mirren and I think he can really go on and be a regular fixture for us this season.

“I’m tipping him for another start against Celtic.

“Each time he’s been involved with the first team, he has played well and I for one would like to see him stay in the first team every week.”

Sheila Connolly, a regular contributor to Buddie Banter, is in complete agreement.

She e-mailed to say: “Chris Innes’s goal on Saturday was first class and it’s obvious that he can be a real threat from set-pieces.

“The way he attacks the ball reminds me of the way Ian Maxwell used to do it for us and, more often than not, big ‘Maxy’ found the target.

“I’d love to see Innes stay beyond the current season because we definitely need an experienced player there in case Lee Mair or John Potter gets injured.

“I hope he is back in on Saturday against Celtic because, with his experience, we can get something there.

“The fans appreciate what Innes has done since he came into the team.

“He hasn’t let anyone down, so good luck to the big lad.”

‘Sensualsaint’ is convinced that the experience brought to the team by 33 year-old Innes will be vital during the winter months ahead.

He said: “When you need someone at the back who has got something about them and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty then Innes seems to be the man.

“I watched him play a blinder against Hearts earlier this season.

“He’s not afraid to put his leg in where it might hurt.

“That’s good old-fashioned, no-nonsense defending in my book and it’s something we fans appreciate.

“Well done Chris on getting your first goal, I hope it’s the first of many.”

‘Bruce Lee’ is also a fan of Innes.

He added: “It was a brilliant goal against Hibs. Lee Mair almost got in the way of the header by Innes but it all ended well. I hope Innes goes on to have a fine season.”

Meanwhile, speculation over potential new owners for St Mirren continues to bubble away after directors at the club announced they are to sell their majority shareholding.

One rumour that has been doing the rounds in recent months is that former Newcastle United and England manager Kevin Keegan might have a role to play at St Mirren Park in future.

‘WhosYirDaddy’ set the cat among the Buddie Banter pigeons when he wrote: “Let’s get this suggestion either clarified or confirmed as an nonsense rumour – Is Kevin Keegan buying Saints?”

But ‘Bruce Lee’ came back with this reply: “Kevin Keegan couldn’t hack it at Newcastle, England, Fulham or Manchester City.

“He’s walked away when the going got tough. What use would he be to us as an owner?”

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