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Conor McMenamin says pre-season has been a blast after St Mirren ace missed out last summer

Conor McMenamin says pre-season has been a blast after St Mirren ace missed out last summer

Daily Record18-07-2025
The 29-year-old Northern Irish international is ready to bounce back from a number of injury problems.
St Mirren maverick Conor McMenamin has been delighted to join in pre-season after missing out last year.

The 29-year-old was recovering from injury last summer ahead of what proved to be a stop-start campaign.

However, after returning for the final three home games, the Northern Irish international admits he didn't want the season to end as he was hitting his stride.

'I felt really sharp scoring goals and helping the team,' he explained. 'I just want to get back to that this season. I just want to start really well and get back to scoring goals and helping the team as much as I can.
'I ended the season well and you hang on to those good moments when you've been out injured a long time.

'It makes it worthwhile when you're working with Gerry [Docherty, physio] every day. Long days in the gym.'
McMenamin – who is preparing to face Annan Athletic in the Premier Sports Cup on Saturday – has had a niggle and a bug since returning last month but managed to maintain his fitness.
He added: 'I really enjoyed pre-season. I missed it last year and I think, if you miss pre-season, you're miles behind everyone. So, it was important to get a full pre-season under my belt.
'I'm hoping to just stay injury-free and help the team as much as I can. If I can get back to the form that I ended the season in, then I'll have a good year.'
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