Sheffield United v Sunderland - Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final Chris Rigg of Sunderland plays during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Final match between Sheffield United and Sunderland at Wembley Stadium in London, England, on May 24, 2025. London Greater London United Kingdom Imago Images
After two years developing his game in the Scottish Championship, Chris Mochrie is determined to make his mark at Premiership level with St Mirren.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined Airdrie following his departure from newly-promoted Dundee United, seeking regular first-team football rather than squad-player anonymity.
Mochrie scored 17 goals in 93 appearances for the Diamonds, building consistency and physical maturity across two full seasons in the second tier.
Now signed by St Mirren, he is eager to bring creativity and attacking intent to Craig McLeish’s midfield as the Buddies prepare for a new Premiership campaign.
Speaking about his conversation with the manager, Mochrie said: “I know what he wants from me. He wants me to influence the game and create opportunities. I hope I can go and do that.”
McLeish’s vision for an aggressive, progressive style clearly appeals to the Dundonian, who added: “One of the first things he spoke to me about was trying to play through the lines. To play an aggressive style of football, which I really like and agree with.”
Mochrie acknowledged that his time at Airdrie was not without early challenges, admitting his first six months were difficult as he adapted to a new position further forward than he was accustomed to.
“Once I got used to that, playing week in and week out was very good for me,” he said, pointing to the physical demands of senior football as a key area of growth.
He explained that the experience taught him how to use his body more effectively and find different ways to influence matches beyond what he had learned in youth football.
Mochrie has a notable place in Scottish football history, having become Dundee United’s youngest ever player when Robbie Neilson handed him his debut at just 16 years and 27 days as a substitute against Morton in May 2019.
That record has since been claimed by Rory MacLeod, but Mochrie spent over a decade at Tannadice, making 51 appearances while also taking in loan spells at Montrose and Dunfermline.
Leaving United was difficult for a player who had grown up inside the club, but Mochrie now views that departure as a turning point that ultimately benefited his development.
“At that time, yes it was disappointing. I’d been there since I was very young,” he said, before adding: “Looking back it was best for me to go away and play games. I think I’ve improved since then.”
With his St Mirren debut expected in the League Cup opener away to Dumbarton on Saturday, Mochrie says the squad returned from their pre-season trip to Spain in strong shape and with a clear shared understanding of how McLeish wants them to play.
“The manager has brought in players who are good on the ball,” he said. “Everyone’s on the same page, so hopefully we can gel really quickly and get off to a good start.”
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