Motherwell star hopes Irish eyes are smiling on his side in Saints battle

Brodie Spencer says there will be no old pal’s act if he comes up against St Mirren’s Conor McMenamin in their Premiership clash on Saturday, but is delighted to have fellow Northern Irish players in the league.

Spencer says the number of his countrymen who have crossed the water to play in the Premiership was a huge factor in his decision to join Motherwell on a loan deal from Huddersfield Town.

And the fact that McMenamin has improved so much since signing for the Paisley club in July proved to him that he had made the right decision.

He said: “I know St Mirren are a very good club.

“I know Conor McMenamin quite well, he was at Cliftonville while I was a young player and I can always remember watching him in training and seeing how good he was.

“He was probably the best player at the club, he was levels above the other players, and was always destined to get the step across the water to a bigger league, and that’s what he has done.

“He’s come here, he’s proved himself, and fitted in very well, and he’s another reason why I thought this league would be perfect for me.

“I’ve seen how well he has been doing in his games, and when I went away with him last week [on international duty] and watched him in the games, seeing how much he has improved just from playing a few games in this league is amazing.

“It will be a great challenge at the weekend, and hopefully we can do well.”

Brodie says he knew it was the right time for him to head out on loan to further his career, and is grateful that coaches at Huddersfield agreed.

Going straight into Motherwell’s team for wins over Kilmarnock and Hearts has helped him greatly, and he hopes to continue that against Saints.

He said: “As soon as the time is right, I think everyone