KirK to MaK it on His own
MAKENZIE KIRK insists there will be no family favouritism at St Johnstone.
The striker has hooked up with dad Andy, Craig Levein’s assistant, after signing from Hearts.
In his third substitute appearance Kirk cracked in his first goal in the 5-1 thrashing of East Fife.
After a prolific time with Hearts B and a loan at Hamilton, he craved a top-flight chance.
That door opened at Saints with Levein who has known Kirk junior since he was eight years old.
But Kirk knows that only hard graft and goals will help him earn the chance to shine for Saints.
When quizzed on working with dad, he said: “That’s one thing that I have to deal with but I’ll get treated no differently to any other player in the group.
“He’s here to make us ALL better players and give us the best opportunity we can have going forward. It’s not a problem for me or any of the other lads.
“The opportunity to join such a great club was something I just couldn’t turn down. I really wanted to get involved and play within a first team.
“The main thing is getting my head down and working as hard as I can.
“It’s hardest for my mum! She does really well dealing with all of us. My dad was a player for a long time so she’s an expert in being part of a football family.
“My younger brother Corey is 17. He’s been at Livingston. Technically he’s very good – completely different to my dad and I as a defensive-midfielder.”
Saints were last season’s joint-lowest scorers with 29 in the Premiership along with relegated Livingston
But Benji Kimpioka is off to a flyer with five goals in
Son-Thing SPecial Kirk Group F and Adama Sidibeh bagged a brace against East Fife on his first start for the Perth men.
Nicky Clark and Uche Ikpeazu are battling back from injury and Kirk is an exciting addition.
He added: “There are so many things I can learn off Benji and Adama.
“Then there’s Nicky with his experience and, when he comes in, Uche. Those two know exactly what the league is all about.
“These are experienced players and there’s stuff I need to learn because I’m still really young.
“I will obviously have my personal goals but the main thing for me is to give the team the best I have when I get the opportunity.
“It’s good for me to be around this environment. I’m looking forward to it.”
Kirk teamed up with Taylor Steven in 88 minutes to make it 4-1 and put an end to East Fife hopes of a late rally.
Saints led 3-0 at the break but Alan Trouten’s reply for 3-1 and an injury to Cammy MacPherson saw the Premiership side begin to wobble.
Kimpioka put the icing on the cake with a stoppage-time solo special to seal his double before players heard news of Morton’s win over Alloa.
Saints topped the group despite a shock 3-2 loss at Alloa in mideek.
Kirk added: “I was delighted to score but the important thing for us was we topped the group.”