Goalkeeper Dean Lyness is determined to grab his rare opportunity with both hands, having waited patiently for a chance to shine again for St Mirren.
The Buddies keeper was called into action on Tuesday night after number one Jak Alnwick was sent for an early bath against Hibs.
That was his first taste of football for the Saints first team since a 2-1 loss to Kilmarnock in December 2018, with the ex-Birmingham City goalie admitting he was “thrown in at the deep end” coming on with his side just reduced to ten men.
He insists he can’t wait to stake a claim for more game time this weekend against the Ayrshire club, with Alnwick sitting out Saturday’s clash due to his Tuesday night red card.
Lyness told Express Sport: “I was thrown in at the deep end a little bit, but that’s what I’ve been preparing for since I came back to the club.
“You have to make sure you’re in the best possible shape for when the opportunity arises.
“It looks like I might have another one this weekend, so, hopefully, I can take my chance to stake my claim.
“Jak Alnwick has been absolutely outstanding. He’s been so consistent all season and he’s not put a foot wrong.
“We have a great relationship. If we’re training well then, hopefully, that brings out the best in him as well.
“That’s how it works in football. You need to make sure you are pushing him all the way.
“He’s been working his socks off, so I can’t have any complaints when he’s putting in performances each week.”
Lyness admits his first action in so long, having last played competitive football for the Saints under-20s’ side in October 2019, was bittersweet due to the result against Hibernian.
He insists his Buddies can bounce straight back against Kilmarnock this weekend, believing this squad to be up there with the best he’s seen assembled during his time in Paisley.
Lyness said: “It was disappointing not to take anything from the game. I thought we were excellent when it was 11 versus 11 and were the team on top.
“Even after the red card, I thought we managed to create one or two opportunities.
“We were disappointed the other night, but we stay level-headed and there were a lot of positives. It’s just motivation to bounce back on Saturday.
“It’s possibly the best squad I’ve seen here. We’ve been on a heck of a run and any time we’ve been beaten, changes have been made to the team.”
Despite his lack of game time in the last few years, Lyness is still determined to prove his worth in Paisley and fight for a place in Jim Goodwin’s side.
He added: “My contract is up at the end of the season. We’ve spoken about it and hopefully it will get sorted.
“The club gave me a great opportunity to come back here and I need to produce performances that will help me stay.”
