Cuthbert feels Saints keeper Clark can keep moving on upward path

WHEN St Johnstone take on St Mirren next Wednesday, they could have Zander Clark back in goal after he missed their last four games due to a hamstring injury.

And, should that be the case, he will continue a journey that has seen him go from emerging talent to there being calls for him to win a Scotland cap.

One man not surprised by his rise to prominence is former keeper Kevin Cuthbert, now a personal trainer at Perth fitness centre Bannatyne’s.

Kevin was Saints’ keeper when Zander was making his way through the youth ranks at the Perth club.

He said: “Zander first came into the club on his school holidays.

“He had been at Hamilton but they let him go as they didn’t think he was tall enough.

“That i s not the case now. He has certainly grown and, although it was too early then to tell if he would make i t, it soon became evident that he was decent.

“He has i mproved as time has gone on and that long run of games earlier in the season when he did not concede a goal was further evidence of how far he has come.

“He has done well i n high-profile matches and goalies get better as they gain more experience.

“As I progressed I felt more at ease and it is the same I am sure with Zander.

“He’s played well week in, week out and improved bit by bit.

“The loan spells he had at Elgin City and QOS have helped him and, as he is only 26, he has years ahead of him.

“Those loan spells gave him game time i n first teams at a young age and that helped to advance him.

“I played several hundred games and Zander can do that, too, and keep on progressing at the same time.”

St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark.