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Brian Kerr admits he is puzzled to see Alex Gogic snubbed by the Cypriot national team. The St Mirren assistant manager reckons the enforcer would be an asset to any side given the way he goes about his business. Gogic has missed out on a place in several international window squads since the arrival of Greek head coach Akis Mantzios in January. Cyprus – already eliminated from World Cup contention – are due to name their group on Friday for their final qualifier against Austria on Saturday, November 15. And Kerr reckons Gogic, named player-of-the-match as Saints booked a place in the final of the Premier Sports Cup with a 4-1 win over Motherwell at Hampden, would be more than worth his spot. He said: “For a team like Cyprus to overlook him, it does surprise me. With Alex, you know what you’re getting every week. “You’ve got a guy who’s giving you everything and leaving nothing out there. He gives everything. I don’t know if something has gone on behind the scenes. “I don’t know if Gogic or their manager don’t get on, or if there’s been a conversation between them. “But I’m surprised they don’t utilise a player like Alex who can cover a number of positions, and epitomises any team, in terms of the way he goes about his business.” Gogic – who is a few months shy of spending four years at the SMiSA Stadium – has clocked up more than 150 appearances in the black-and-white stripes, been pivotal to Saints notching up a hat-trick of Premiership top-six finishes, and was part of the club’s first Euro sojourn in 37 years. The 31-year-old is a smash hit with the black-and-white army and is contracted to the Buddies until 2027. Kerr added: “He is so dependable. You get the same guy every week – minimum seven out of 10. I think he would be massive in any team in terms of getting that consistency and reliability. “It’s a surprising one but one that they must fix between themselves.” Gogic is sidelined due to suspension this Saturday night as the Buddies prepare to welcome Hibernian to the SMiSA in the Premiership. Don't miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here
