Craig McLeish is delighted that Jacob Chapman’s move to St Mirren has been quickly vindicated with a maiden Australia call-up for their upcoming friendly double-header with Brazil.
The goalkeeper was included in the Socceroos squad for the first time after impressing for Saints since his arrival from Huddersfield in July.
“It was part of the conversation that we had with him during the summer; myself and (goalkeeping coach) Jamie Langfield sat with him, and we were both trying to sell different parts of the club to him,” said boss McLeish.
“Jamie was really strong on saying to him, ‘I will get you in the Australia squad’. Jamie’s got a really good track record of developing goalkeepers.
“We knew that, coming here from the lower leagues in England, he would get more eyes on him. There’s been a really good track record and history of Australian national team players playing in the Scottish Premiership as well, so we knew that he would get attention and recognition if he was playing well.
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“He started the season great, and I’m delighted. It’s probably come a little bit ahead of time where we maybe thought he would get involved in things, but it’s a credit to Jacob that he’s caught their attention so early.
“A double-header against Brazil, he can’t ask much more than that for his first call-up. It’s great for him.”
McLeish welcomed the fact that Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin, a former Saints captain and manager, will be back in the dugout for Saturday’s match between the teams in Paisley after missing his side’s last three matches due to a health issue.
“It’s really good to see that he’s feeling a lot better,” said McLeish. “Dundee United will get a boost from that as well, having him back in the dugout.
“I think he always gets a good reception when he comes back here. He was such a big player for the club and had a really strong spell as manager as well, so I hope he gets a really good reception. I’m delighted to see that he’s doing well.”
