Striker Alex Greive admits he’s had a whirlwind start to life as a Buddie.
But the talented 22-year-old insists he’s living the dream after signing his first professional contract and making his New Zealand debut in the space of a month.
The pacey Saints forward was a second half substitute for the All Whites in their recent clash against Jordan in Abu Dhabi.
He then made a swift return from halfway round the world back to the Saints, earning his first start in the Paisley club’s impressive 1-0 win against Hibs at Easter Road on Saturday afternoon.
While he insists he’s still getting up to speed with the frantic pace of Scottish football, Greive revealed he’s been loving every minute since turning pro with St Mirren.
He told Express Sport: “It was nice to get a win on my first start.
“To be fair ever since I’ve come in we’ve been on a nice little run, so it’s been happy days so far.
“It’s been a bit crazy. I’ve been here for a couple of months so I’ve had time to settle in.
“It’s obviously a step up from New Zealand but I’m loving it.
“The pace of Scottish football is the first thing you notice. It’s full tilt the whole time, end to end. All the players are really sharp.
“When I knew I was coming over I started watching St Mirren’s games, so I kinda knew what to expect. But you can never be fully prepared until you arrive.
“The last two weeks it all seems to have happened at once. I’m loving it. I’ve had no real time for it all to sink in, it’s just been all about playing the next game.
“It was a proud moment. When you’re a kid that’s the one thing that you dream of - playing for your country.
“That was really special. My parents were watching and all my friends back home as well. It was a great moment.
“To get into the New Zealand squad now, all the players are professional and a lot play overseas. Coming to St Mirren I knew would give me a better chance of making that team.
“I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly, but I’m delighted it did.”
St Mirren’s victory against Hibs on Saturday has given the club a serious chance of breaking into the top six this season.
Greive believes the Buddies have what it takes to go the next level after narrowly missing out last year.
And he feels he is ready and capable to lead the line in star striker Eamonn Brophy’s injury-enforced absence.
Greive said: “It was a good battle against Hibs. They had three very physical boys at the back, but you always want to challenge yourself against these types of players.
“I almost scored just before I came off. On another day I get that first goal.
“A couple of weeks ago we were looking down the table, but now we’re looking up the way.
“The team’s goal is to make the top six and I think we’re well equipped to do so.
“I just want to play my part and contribute as much as I can.”
