COLLIN Samuel insists he’ll win over St Johnstone supporters with his own brand of football.
And he doesn’t feel a burden of expectation caused by the success enjoyed by fellow Trinidad and Tobago striker Jason Scotland during his McDiarmid days.
Samuel hopes a weekend calf strain doesn’t keep him out of tomorrow’s clash with former Falkirk and Dundee United teammate Owen Coyle, now in charge of Burnley.
His last competitive outing was for Toronto in North American football back in March but he’s anxious to get his Perth career up and running quickly.
“I was having trouble accelerating in the warm-up at Inverness on Saturday so we didn’t take any risks. But I hope to be okay for the Burnley game.
“I know Jason did well here but that doesn’t put me under any pressure. I’m a different type of player from Jason. I’m more versatile and can play in three positions. I just want to get going quickly and score as many goals as possible this season.
“If we can get off to a good start hopefully we can go on and get to the SPL.”
World Cup veteran Samuel admits he was disappointed to be left watching television in Scotland as the Socca Warriors lost 3-0 to England over the summer.
He said: “It was a conspiracy! The team had a lot of younger players. I had been hoping to play in the World Cup re-match. But hopefully they will want the more experienced players to reach the 2010 World Cup finals.”
Samuel credits Coyle as a huge influence on his career, with current coach Docherty responsible for luring him to Scotland, and Falkirk, in the first place.
“I played with Owen and learned from such an experienced striker. The ball always seemed to land at his feet in the box. It was like a magnet.
“Owen was a top goalscorer. He was always very positive with me and encouraged me to be adventurous.
“Burnley are a Championship side and this is a great test for us.”