Jonah Ayunga: St Mirren Boss Tells Benni McCarthy What Makes Harambee Stars Striker Tick

Kenyan forward Jonah Ayunga has been described as a player who has “absolutely everything” after his two goals delivered cup glory for his club St Mirren.

Ayunga was the architect of Celtic’s downfall in the Scottish League Cup final when he netted a second half brace to deliver St Mirren’s first trophy in 12 years and also win his maiden piece of silverware.

With giants Celtics overwhelming favourites against a St Mirren team that had won just one of their five matches before Sunday’s encounter, the Saints knew they stood little chance, describing the game as “faith over fear” and their belief carried them through.

PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Google News, Stay informed with Latest Sport News

They made a statement of intent when they opened the scoring through Marcus Fraser’s header after just two minutes but Celtic would pull one back when Reo Hatate volleyed home after 23 minutes.

However, Ayunga wrote the final script of this incredible play, the striker, who got a rare start after first-choice forward Mikael Mandron fell ill on the eve of the game, scoring twice in the second half to settle the contest.

Ayunga got St Mirren ahead with a well-taken goal from Alex Gogic’s cross in the 64th minute before sealing the win with a third and his second of the day, after shrugging off two defenders to slot home from Declan John’s pass.

It was a complete performance from the Kenya international and his coach Stephen Robinson was full of praise for the 28-year-old.

“I’ve taken Jonah lots of places that I’ve gone and he’s got so much talent,” Robinson said as per Irvine Times.

“He’s got absolutely everything. When he plays like that, he’s unplayable. I thought he terrorised the three centre-halves with his pace, his strength, his quality. And I’m delighted for him because he’s a lovely, lovely boy.”

Ayunga, who has one goal in eight appearances for Kenya, has been a bit-part player since receiving his maiden Harambee Stars call-up, but his recent club form could see him force himself into coach Benni McCarthy’s starting XI.

Michael Olunga and Ryan Ogam appear to be ahead of him in the pecking order but with the latter not playing at his Austrian club Wolfsberger AC while he continues with his great scoring run, those qualities that Robinson has described could force McCarthy to make him one of his key strikers.