St Mirren sign Estonian ace Sander Puri

Mar 16 2013 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon last night swooped to sign Estonian international Sander Puri...and revealed he’s willing to throw the new boy in at the deep end by asking him to sink Hearts at Hampden.

Attacking midfielder Puri has joined Saints for the rest of the season, with the Paisley club also having the option of extending his contract for a further year.

And ruthless Lennon is ready to hand Puri a sensational debut in tomorrow’s League Cup Final – even if it means running the risk of a player revolt.

He told Express Sports: “I can’t afford to be sentimental.

“This could be a one-off opportunity for us, so we have to make sure we put the right players out there.

“Everyone has played their part throughout this run to the cup final but, unfortunately, only 16 players can be stripped on Sunday.

“We’ll put out the team we feel can get the win on the day.”

Puri, 24, has played most of his career in his homeland for clubs such as Premium Tartu, Levadia Tallinn and Viljandi Tulevik.

He has also featured in Finland with Kuopion Palloseura, in Poland with Korona Kielce, in Hungary with Lombard-Pápa and in Greece with Larissa.

Puri is approaching a half century of caps with the Estonian national team and earned his St Mirren deal following a successful trial period at the club.

International clearance came through late yesterday afternoon, meaning he is eligible to play against Hearts tomorrow.

And Lennon insists there will be no risk involved if he decides to pick Puri for the final.

He added: “Sander is a good player and that’s why we’ve brought him to our football club.

“Whether or not he’s involved in the cup final is something I’ve got to think about.

“It’s a pleasant headache to have.”

Puri – who will wear squad number 36 for Saints – can play wide on either flank and also has plenty of experience of slotting in just off a main striker.

Lennon, who took the League Cup along to Ralston Community Centre yesterday afternoon to meet some of St Mirren’s older fans, said: “Any time you look at a new player, you wonder if he will improve your group – and I certainly feel Sander can do that.

“He handles the ball terrifically well and he’s got a great change of pace and an eye for goal.

“Those are key qualities and strengths that we think will add to those we already have.”