Ronaldo an idol for St Mirren youngster Henderson

St Mirren youngster Jay Henderson has said he idolises Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo - after netting the first goal of his professional career for the Paisley outfit.

19-year-old Henderson bagged his first senior goal for St Mirren on Tuesday (18 January), as he scored the opening goal in a 2-1 Scottish Premier League win over Dundee United.

Though St Mirren are struggling in ninth spot in the SPL, Henderson has proven a lucky inclusion when he has featured - notching up four wins and three draws from his nine appearances for the Buddies this season - including playing a key role in the club's League Cup run.

Henderson has singled out United frontman Ronaldo as an inspirational figure to him - as well as Saints team-mates Ryan Flynn and Kyle McAllister, as he looks to make an impact in the Scottish professional game.

Speaking to Express Sport, the former Clyde loanee said: "I idolise people like Ronaldo.

"But, obviously, you look up to the boys like Flynny and even like McAllister, even though he’s only a few years older than me.

"They’ve set the example at this level, so I’m just trying to follow in their footsteps and try and make my way in the game."

Links between United and St Mirren are headlined by Sir Alex Ferguson - who managed the Renfrewshire club in the mid-1970s.

Elsewhere, Cameroonian international Eric Djemba-Djemba made three appearances for the Saints nine years after leaving Old Trafford; while former Red Devil Matty Willock - now at Salford City - made 14 appearances for St Mirren in one of a host of loan spells he spent away from Old Trafford.