Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Alan hoping to keep good form
HAVING helped his side keep two clean sheets in a row, St Johnstone keeper Alan Mannus is hoping for a third tonight when Rangers call in at McDiarmid Park.
The Perth men didn’t concede against Celtic at Parkhead in a 0-0 draw and it was t he same story against Ross County at McDiarmid Park on Saturday when Saints won via two Murray Davidson goals.
“It’s, naturally, important that we keep our good recent form going,” said Northern Ireland international Alan.
“I’m happy with my form and it’s vital for me and the team to not only keep the good form going but keep gathering points.
“I feel good on the pitch, in fact better than ever and I’m hoping to keep that feeling.
“We have slipped down the league but we want to stay safe.”
Alan is 36 in two months but is playing as well as ever and could find himself once again in the Northern Ireland squad next month.
The Irish have a home friendly against South Korea and Alan will wait to see if he is called in.
“My focus is on doing well for St Johnstone and we will see where that takes me as regards the international set-up,” he went on.
However, his immediate focus is on doing his bit to keep Rangers at bay tonight.
Meanwhile, another Saints k e e p e r, B e n MacKenzie, has made his senior debut.
The youngster has been put out on loan to East Fife and kept a clean sheet as the Fifers beat Albion Rovers 2-0.
Outfield loan duo Greg Hurst and Danny Jardine were also i nvolved on Saturday for Forfar Athletic and Stirling Albion respectively.