STM O MOT O

ST MIRREN v MOTHERWELL

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KEANU BACCUS took swapping Sydney for Scotland in his stride three years ago.

Moving a few hundred miles down the road to Mansfield proved more difficult to manage.

The Aussie is back with St Mirren after one season in Nottinghamshire. He's thrilled with an emotional return to Paisley because it’s perfect for putting down family roots.

He says being settled with partner Erme and boys Tariq and seven-month-old Kamari can inspire him to recapture his best Saints form.

They divided time between Glasgow and Mansfield last season while Baccus played in League One, featuring 43 times.

The 27-year-old said: “It feels nice to be back at my home away from home. I knew, off the field, that my family would be a bit more comfortable as they're from Glasgow, so that was part of it.

“All credit to Mansfield for giving me a chance to play in England. I learned a lot, they're a good club and have been good to me. I told St Mirren my dream was to play in England and I fulfilled the year there.

“It was a little bit tough off the pitch, though, if I’m honest. We were in the middle of having a baby. It was tough for my partner.