St. Mirren manager credits Kenyan forward's partner after helping during 10-month injury lay-off

© Jonah Ayunga (Instagram)

STARS ABROAD St. Mirren manager credits Kenyan forward's partner after helping during 10-month injury lay-off

Mark Kinyanjui 06:36 - 14.12.2023

Ayunga, has already declared that he would like to represent Harambee Stars at the 2026 World Cup.

St. Mirren manager Stephen Robinson has heaped praise on everyone involved in helping Harambee Stars striker Jonah Ayunga return to full fitness after he netted his first goal of the season.

Ayunga finally netted his first goal in four appearances this season in sublime style, receiving the ball from the left flank before cutting inside and releasing a ferocious shot to give St. Mirren a 2-0 win over Ross County last Saturday.

Robinson has described Ayunga as “a talent” who is getting “better and better”.

“Jonah is getting better and better, we know what a talent he is,” Robinson said.

“Scores his goals and we are delighted for all the hard work he has put in. There is a lot of people who have put a lot of work into that, obviously  none more so than Jonah.

“His partner in the stands Jerry Doherty and Garry McCall. They have played huge parts in Jonah getting to this level very quickly, so I think everybody deserves a little praise for that.”

Ayunga celebrated by sticking the ball under his jersey as a nod to his pregnant partner.

Robinson added: “I’m not sure how long (she has) to go. That will be a special moment.

“What you don’t appreciate when you’re out injured is how it affects your other half – they take the brunt of everything. They’re the real strong ones and I’m sure Jonah would agree.”

The 26-year-old, who joined Saints from English side Morecambe in the summer 2022 on an original two-year deal, extended his stay at the club until the summer of 2025 in September.

Ayunga, who has already declared that he would like to represent Harambee Stars at the World Cup, will be hoping to build on from his Man-of-the-Match performance against Ross County to earn a call-up to the Kenyan squad.

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