McCann: I won’t get shirty about missing out on Verratti top

ALI McCANN went toe to toe with PSG superstar Marco Verratti on international duty.

But St Johnstone’s Northern Ireland star lost out in the race to swap shirts with the classy Italian midfielder.

McCann, a stand-out on the domestic scene, earned kudos for his performance in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss in

Parma. And he’d love to have Verratti’s jersey in a frame to remember the occasion.

McCann said: “I got subbed off before the end. I was too far away from all the big Italian names to get a jersey – they were snapped up quickly!

“Verratti was the one I wanted but someone got in there before me. I didn’t even catch who managed to get it – all I know is Verratti didn’t have it on after the whistle.

“I wouldn’t say it was daunting to face him – it was just good to look at players like that and how they play. Verratti in particular was brilliant, so it was a tough night. But you can only learn from that.”

The Perth side are looking to close the four-point gap on Livingston when Aberdeen visit today. Since a Boxing Day defeat at Pittodrie they’ve lost just twice – against the Old Firm – in 16 games.

McCann said: “It’s a great chance. If we can win and Livi don’t pick up any then we’re only a point behind them. If we can jump above Livi that has to be the aim. But we know the quality Aberdeen have. They’ll be bang at it.”

McCann wasn’t at McDiarmid for the Euro campaigns. But reminders line the corridors and he added: “It looks incredible – packed stadiums, lads jumping in to celebrate with the fans. It would be class. That would cap off a hugely successful season.”