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Defender Sean McLoughlin says he “jumped” at the chance to join St Mirren after watching Scottish football growing up in his native Ireland.

The 22-year-old, from Cork, joined English Championship side Hull in the summer before linking up with the Buddies just a few days later.

And he admits while it was a hectic period having just left his hometown, he is delighted to have settled so quickly into life in the Scottish Premiership.

“I was living at home all my life so it was quite a big move to head to England and then straight up to Scotland,” he told Express Sport.

“That’s football though and you’ve just got to get on with it wherever you’re shipped to.

“The loan was discussed before I joined at Hull. Coming from playing in the League of Ireland it was going to be a bit of a step up so a loan was always in the back of my mind anyway.

“I was in training at Hull and then Jim Goodwin contacted Hull and it was all wrapped up in a few days.

“Obviously when I heard about the chance to come up here and play in the SPL I just jumped at it.

“I grew up watching it, especially Old Firm games, and I knew one or two players playing around the league too so it was something that when you get the opportunity to do you don’t turn it down.”

While he knew it was going to be mentally tough to move north of the border having just moved to England, McLoughlin says he has enjoyed every minute of his Buddies career.

He has played every Premiership game so far this season, forming strong partnerships with experienced heads Gary MacKenzie and Kirk Broadfoot.

McLoughlin said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at St Mirren so far.

“The goal for a loan spell is to play as much as you can. I’ve played every game which is the best case scenario for me.

“Hopefully, I can keep playing well and keep myself in the team.

“It’s a great bunch of lads to come in to and they’ve made me feel very at home over here.”

The powerful centre-back also revealed that his new gaffer’s Irish influence helped persuade him that a move to Paisley was the right one for his fledgling career.

He added: “Obviously with him being Irish as well he has a great interest in the League of Ireland and he said he knew me from then. We have mutual contacts there so it’s definitely helped.”