Robertson looks to cement first-team spot

Aug 9 2012 by Andy Newport, Paisley Daily Express

ST MIRREN new boy Jon Robertson last night told how he is desperate to pack a punch in the SPL this season...after ditching his job as a warehouse worker.

The 23-year-old midfielder made his top-flight debut on Saturday following his summer switch from Cowdenbeath.

And ‘Robbo’ had an instant impact as he produced the cross for Darren McGregor’s last-gasp goal that secured an opening-day draw against Inverness.

The former Blue Brazil star was handed just 10 minutes of action as he replaced Gary Teale late on but that brief taste of the SPL has already left him desperate for more.

Robertson told Express Sports: “I was working in a warehouse until March this year but I packed it in to help me concentrate on the Second Division title run-in with Cowden.

“I suppose you could say I wanted to hit the ground running with Saints as I made the switch from part-time football and it certainly worked because I’ve been flying in training and that has helped me to settle in.

“It was great to make my debut on Saturday. Even though it was just a short stint towards the end of the game, I really enjoyed it.

“I thought I acquitted myself quite well and it was good to get the cross over for the equalising goal, so I felt really good about myself.

“The boys did really well. I felt we finished the game quite strongly. We chased the result and it was great to get a point. I enjoyed the whole experience.”

Robertson, who won the Second Division Player of the Year award last season, is clearly a man of ambition and isn’t letting the fact that he’s a top-flight rookie prevent him from aiming high again.

Now he hopes to cement a starting place in Danny Lennon’s team and enjoy the SPL rollercoaster when it visits some of the league’s bigger destinations.

Robbo added: “I just want to play as many minutes as I can and take in the experience when we go away to the big grounds like Parkhead and Tynecastle.

“Even at St Mirren Park, there’s a lovely playing surface and making my debut was something I’ll always remember. Now I just want to take it all in and play as much as I can.”

While Robertson may have looked good as he took his SPL bow, he reckons he will have to up his game if he is to continue to make an impression amongst the big boys.

“Everything is sharper in the SPL,” he said. “The touch of the players at this level is sharp and the tempo and pressing is so much quicker.

“However, I feel I’m getting stronger day by day and the Inverness game went a long way towards building my confidence as I try to push for a regular place in the first team.”