McDiarmid Park

Next Game

St J'stone v Hearts

Saturday, 03 August 2013, 15:00

Scots Prem

Best yet to come - Goncalves

Esmael Goncalves has promised he will only get better after making a stunning start to his loan spell with St Mirren.

Last Updated: 03/02/13 at 14:01 Post Comment

Esmael Goncalves (l): Celebrates one of his goals for Saints

Esmael Goncalves (l): Celebrates one of his goals for Saints

The 21-year-old bagged a brace as Danny Lennon's side defeated St Johnstone 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Goncalves headed home to break the deadlock six minutes after half-time and doubled the hosts' advantage eight minutes later.

"This is the best scoring run of my career and I am very happy," he said.

"The Scottish game is very fast and I am fast too, so I like that.

"I think in the next three weeks I will get faster and stronger.

"It's unbelievable playing in games with such a great atmosphere. I really like the fans here - they are crazy."

St Mirren boss Lennon believes Goncalves will get stronger in the coming weeks and the forward agrees with his manager.

Following a two-month spell without competitive action, Goncalves has now played three games in the last week.

"My last game before coming to St Mirren was over two months ago and now I have played three games in a week," the on-loan Rio Ave striker added. "I am feeling tired, but I'll be okay."

St Johnstone striker Kenny MacLean accepted poor finishing was proving costly for the Perthshire club.

MacLean passed up two good scoring opportunities in the first half and Goncalves punished them for their lack of attacking spark in the second period.

"We haven't taken our chances when we have been on top and that's been the story of our season," MacLean said.

"We have spoken about it and we know that we need to start taking our chances when they come.

"The strikers have to start taking responsibility for the missed chances - we have let a few of the lads in the dressing room and the fans down by not taking our opportunities."

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

S

wap deal with ITV. Can't wait to see Stuart Pearce and Roy Keane giving each other the evils.

rambo
Southgate tipped for U-21 job

J

oe has signed John Scales instead.

rambo
Newcastle pull Douglas deal

D

oes the medical involve some sort of dressage event?

shabtastic
Carroll set for Hammers medical

Footer 365

Luis Suarez should not be blinded by Liverpool loyalty, says Jamie Carragher

Jamie Carragher says Luis Suarez should not be blinded by loyalty to Liverpool if Real Madrid make a big-money offer.

Confederations Cup: Brazil on verge of semi-finals after 2-0 win over Mexico

Neymar all but fired Brazil to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup as they defeated Mexico 2-0.

Transfer news: Feyenoord say Lex Immers will stay following links to Cardiff City

Feyenoord have moved to dismiss reports that midfielder Lex Immers could be on his way to Cardiff City.

Mail Box

'Bye Sunderland' & More Fixtures Reaction

The afternoon mailbox has plenty more views on the fixture list. Plus, a sublime piece of skill from Emile Heskey, more cool 'ballers and dull football matches...

One Guy's Genuinely Irked About Fixtures

A Gooner in the Mailbox seems to genuinely think that the world/fixture computer is against his team. Sigh. That, plus more cool footballers & Mike Ashley: Supervillain...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved