BY KYLE GUNN

SEAN MCLOUGHLIN has detailed the qualities in Jim Goodwin that he feels will see his compatriot go far in management. The 23-year-old centre-half played every minute of St Mirren’s first 21 Scottish Premiership games after joining joining on loan from Hull in August.

And after being recalled by the English Championship side last week, the Irishman spoke exclusively to Gazette Sport, about his time at the Simple Digital Arena.

McLoughlin said: “He was the link that gave me the chance up there so I want to thank him for that. He was great for me as a manager and I really enjoyed working with him. He understands players and the game so I’ll think he will go far in his managerial career.

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“I want to thank the supporters for always getting behind the team regardless of the results. Their support home and away has been top class and I hope for their sake the club can push on for the rest of the season and be in the comfortable position which they deserve.”

He had signed for the Buddies on a six-month loan deal, just a week after swapping Cork for East Yorkshire.

The big defender will always be grateful for the experiences that he picked up during his short stint in Paisley, particularly walking out at Parkhead in the 2-0 defeat back in October.

But McLoughlin was recalled by Hull gaffer Grant McCann after he already played 46 times between Cork City and St Mirren in the campaign without having a break, although he was on the bench and eligible to make his debut away to Rotherham United in Hull's 3-2 FA Cup third round win.

He continued: “I really enjoyed it. To experience a different league with different challenges was great. Playing against top teams such as Celtic gives you the opportunity to learn a lot and I think I’ve improved because of that

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“Playing against Celtic in Parkhead was the highlight of my spell. It was always the plan to return in January. I have played just under 50 games this year and I think returning to Hull City is best for me at this time.”

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