BY KYLE GUNN

Kevin McGrath has barely missed a minute of his son Jamie's career - a feat that doesn't look set to change any time soon, despite the young winger moving across the Irish sea to Paisley.

The 23-year-old, who signed from League of Ireland outfit Dundalk earlier this month to become Jim Goodwin's second January signing, could be set for his debut tomorrow against Broxburn Athletic in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

And with a number of big fixtures on the horizon after the winter break, the new arrival has revealed that his dad, and several members of his family, have booked flights to come and cheer him on.

READ MORE: Jim Goodwin certain St Mirren will deal with 'favourite' tag in Scottish Cup clash

”My ma, my da and my girlfriend are over this morning and fly back Monday night," he said. "My dad is then back over on Wednesday for the Rangers game. 

"He travelled to all my matches back home - three hours up north and three hours down south.

"He’s maybe looking to get an apartment over here. He’ll want my place to have a spare room for him.

"The family have all booked a lot of flights over the next few months."

McGrath signed for Saints on the same day as fellow Irishman Conor McCarthy, the central defender, who joined from Cork City. 

The two had lined up against each other in some good battles at home over the last few years and the midfielder says it’s good to have a fellow countryman going through the same new experiences he is.

READ MORE: Goodwin reflects on first six months in St Mirren hotseat

He continued: “I played against Conor in Ireland. It’s good the two of us have come at the same time. We’re both in the same hotel right now and looking for places to stay. It’s nice to have someone going through the same scenarios.

“We came up against each other three or four times a season. Cork would probably have been our biggest rivals for the last few years, so it’s interesting now he’s a teammate. We’re probably going to get our own places as family will come over, we’re looking like mad to find a place. The hotel is nice for a few days.” 

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