Following yesterday's final game of the 2022/23 season against Rangers, SMiSA member Murray Bryce presented Keanu Baccus with a Special Recognition award for being the first Saint's player to play in a World Cup Finals.
Baccus was announced as part of Australia's World Cup squad in November 2022, and went on to feature off the bench in their first 3 Group Stage games. Australia managed to get past the group stage, where they were then up against a star-studded Argentina team in the round of sixteen. Baccus was announced in the starting line-up of this game, where he competed against the likes of Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister. Despite losing the game 2-1, the Australia team caught the world's attention and showed real passion and Belief.
![Lionel Messi jostles with Keanu Baccus Image](/images/2023/05/28/baccus-v-messi.jpg)
Lionel Messi jostles with Keanu Baccus
After such a successful season on the pitch, the SMiSA Board felt we should recognise Keanu for adding something else during the season that was a first for the club - a St. Mirren player playing in the World Cup & helping Australia do well in the tournament.
![SMiSA member Murray Bryce presents Keanu Baccus with Special Recognition Award. SMiSA member Murray Bryce presents Keanu Baccus with Special Recognition Award.](/images/2023/05/28/Photo_1.jpg)
SMiSA member Murray Bryce presents Keanu Baccus with Special Recognition Award.
![SMiSA Director Dougie McMahon stands for photo with Keanu Baccus and his award. SMiSA Board Director Dougie McMahon gets photo with Keanu Baccus and his award.](/images/2023/05/28/Photo_3.jpg)