Danny Lennon unsurprised by Esmael Goncalves impact

Published on 09/02/2013 04:26

ST MIRREN manager Danny Lennon insists he has not been surprised by the impact Esmael Goncalves has made on Scottish football so far.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a blistering start to his Saints career by netting four goals in three games since joining on loan from Rio Ave. And, as 
St Mirren prepare to take on Aberdeen today, Lennon believes the Portuguese will continue to be a handful for teams even though they know what to expect from him now.

“I’m not surprised. If I didn’t think he would have an impact on our football club and help the group then he wouldn’t be here,” said Lennon. “He’s certainly hit the ground running and long may that continue.

“A lot of people don’t know a great deal about him but they’ll quickly get to know him. I believe he will be one of those players, whether you know his strengths or weaknesses, he will always cause problems anyway.”

The Pittodrie pitch appeared to be in a poor state when Scotland played Estonia on Wednesday night – but Lennon has no fears about the surface. “We’ve just got to go with whatever the conditions are,” said Lennon. “It’s not within our control.”

Meanwhile, Rob Milsom is looking for Aberdeen to shrug off last week’s cup exit to Hibs and finish their league season with a European place. “I thought we were the better team last week and were the better team the week before but didn’t get the win,” Milsom told Red TV. “There is still a lot to play for. We have to get last week out of our head, put it behind us, move on in a positive frame of mind.”