Elvis Bwomono has vowed to snap up his second chance at St Mirren.

The 25-year-old defender found himself on the bench in the early part of the season – despite playing a key role last term as the Buddies reached Europe for the first time in 37 years.

New signing Shaun Rooney was preferred in the right wing-back slot but his departure in the wake of assault allegations has opened the door again for Bwomono.

And the Ugandan international is determined to make the most of his opportunity now the starting five-man defensive unit in which he features alongside Marcus Fraser, Alex Gogic, Richard Taylor and Scott Tanser is all back together again.

Returning to the international fold is next on Bwomono’s agenda after missing out in both this and October’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying windows.

“I’m happy to be back in the team and I think I’m playing well,” he told the Paisley Daily Express. “I’m just taking the chances as we go. It’s always difficult when you are on the bench but you have to get your mindset right and make sure that you train well.

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“I think that’s what I always do and it’s then just a case of waiting for your chance to come. Football is a crazy sport – one minute you are in, the next minute you are out. I knew a chance would come.

“Defensively, we’re all back together and I’ve played alongside Marcus a lot. I feel we complement each other really well.

“I didn’t get called up for the Uganda camp but I think we should be able to qualify for the AFCON. Fingers crossed the guys get the job done.

“I’m hoping my performances will get me back involved. I’ve missed the last two having not played as much but I’ve been in previous camps when the results have been good.”

Bwomono was thrilled with Saints’ 2-1 Premiership win at Hibernian in their last outing but admitted they were made to sweat after a Nicky Cadden equaliser in injury time was ruled out by VAR for offside.

“We were buzzing at the end,” he said. “Obviously the last four or five minutes show the ups and downs of football but we were just glad to get the win.

“I definitely thought the worst of the worst when they scored for a second time! But out of the corner of my eye, I could see they had someone offside, so we tried to stay calm.”

Winger Conor McMenamin bagged a brace against the Hibees at Easter Road with keeper Ellery Balcombe saving a Martin Boyle spot-kick and both players were pushed forward for a special ovation from the black-and-white army.

Bwomono added: “It was probably our best performance of the season and the boys really dug in. You can see how close we are as a group – we work for each other and run for each other. That’s the mentality we have.

“Ellery and Conor are big players and we all want to be close to the fans as that connection is important to us.”

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