Keanu Baccus feels at home back in Paisley as he eyes Europe with St Mirren

Daily Record

a day ago

The Australian international jumped at the chance to return to the Buddies after a challenging 12 months at Mansfield Town south of the border.
Keanu Baccus insists home is where the heart is as he reflected on his stunning return to St Mirren.
‌
The Australian international made his second Buddies debut in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Motherwell following his transfer from Sky Bet League One side Mansfield Town.
‌
The 27-year-old played more than 40 games for the Stags but said his 'eyes lit up' when the chance of coming back to the SMiSA Stadium was put on the table.
‌
Baccus wasted no time in agreeing a two-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months, to rekindle his love affair with the black-and-white army.
Getting things settled off the pitch was important for him as well with partner Erme from Glasgow.
The couple have two boys —Tariq, six, and seven-month-old Kamari — so making sure they were happy was high on the priority list and paved the way for his return to Paisley and the Premiership.
‌
He said: 'It feels nice to be back at my home away from home. I'm now comfortable off the pitch and I just want to get those performances back.
'Things moved very quickly and there has been a bit of driving. I only had half the week to prepare but there's no excuses. My body is in pretty good shape and I was ready to go.
'When Jim [Gillespie, vice-chairman] and the gaffer [Stephen Robinson] reached out, my eyes lit up. This club gave me the chance to leave Australia and showcase myself, ultimately making the national team.
‌
'I knew off the field that my family would be a bit more comfortable as they are from Glasgow so that was part of it.'
Last season wasn't easy for Team Baccus who split time between Glasgow and Nottinghamshire while raising newborn Kamari.
'It's hard to be away from your kids and your family here,' he said. 'I have family in Australia as well and it was hard juggling that but I did my best for them.
‌
'I learned a lot and credit to Mansfield for giving me a chance to play in England. They are a good club and have been good to me.
'It was tough off the pitch, if I'm honest, but it was a no-brainer to get that solidity off the pitch and I think that will translate into performances.'
Baccus insists he didn't consider offers made by other clubs as he set his sights on Saints. Now he wants to repay the faith shown in him by reaching Europe.
Baccus was part of the squad which clinched Saints a UEFA Conference League qualifying spot in 2024 but left to join Mansfield.
He added: 'It was my dream to play in England. I never got the chance to experience the European games and I want to be part of that.'