Stephen Robinson reckons there could be Buddies benefits from Portugal’s flying visit to Paisley.
The SMiSA Stadium was used by Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates for a light training session ahead of their 0-0 Nations League draw with Scotland at Hampden.
Dozens of youngsters descended on Greenhill Road to catch a glimpse of superstar Ronaldo on Monday.
And Buddies boss Robinson feels the experience could even lead to Portuguese loan signings in the future while chief operating officer Keith Lasley looks at a possible pre-season training camp in Lisbon.
“It was a testament to the club that they wanted to use our facilities,” he said ahead of St Mirren’s big Premiership clash with Hearts on Saturday.
“Roberto phoned me and asked me would it be possible to use the facilities close to Cameron House [Loch Lomond].
“I played against Roberto and I have a good relationship with him. So, it was nice to have him, it was nice to pick his brains, it was nice to ask questions; and obviously seeing top-class players on the pitch was great. They didn’t do a whole lot – they just did boxes and a wee bit of shape.
“But as a top-class football team coming to train at St Mirren, they were very appreciative of how private it was and the way they were treated and the quality of the pitch and stadium and surroundings.
“So yeah, that was a nice little thing for the football club to do and hopefully it builds a future relationship. We may be going over there in the summer to use their facilities in Lisbon which will be fantastic.
“And maybe I’ll link up with some Portuguese Under-23 players as well. There’s always good things that come out of that when you’re mixing in those circles.
“Roberto has kindly suggested that we look at the Portuguese training camp which is top class. That may be something that’s ongoing which Keith is working on for a pre-season camp.
“I was very lucky when I was with Northern Ireland to go on study visits to Sporting Lisbon and Benfica, and the top clubs in Portugal.
“That might be something we’re able to do again and explore potential loan options there as well; that’s something longer term. For the here and now, it was great to have that calibre of player at the stadium.”
On meeting the great Ronaldo, Robbo quipped: “We signed him for about three minutes! We had to sell the stadium, the pitch. We got a donation from a crowd of £10 million. It would be nice, wouldn’t it?”
Saints will be missing Alex Iacovitti, Richard Taylor and Conor McMenamin in the capital this weekend with Charles Dunne also a doubt.
Meanwhile, skipper Mark O’Hara reckons the international break did the squad the world of good as Saints prepare for their date with the Jambos who are bossed by Neil Critchley for the first time.
The 28-year-old said: “It was a good chance to have a reset and come back fresh. It will be a good game. They are in a position where they need to win and we want the points as well.
“We are under no illusions. Their league position is false, they have quality players and have brought in a quality manager.”
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