Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
McCann surprised and delighted to feature so regularly for Saints
ST JOHNSTONE midfielder Ali McCann is delighted, and surprised, at t he amount of f i r st - t e a m chances he has had this season.
“I did not expect so many so early,” he said.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stellar start to the season which has also seen him win his first caps for Northern I reland at under-age level.
“The Northern Ireland call-up has been good for me,” he added. “It has boosted my confidence just as playing in the Saints first team has.”
McCann is thankful for the belief and support shown in him by Saints team boss Tommy Wright and he also cites Murray Davidson as having a big influence on him.
“I play alongside Murray in the middle of the park and he is good at talking me through things.
“My brother, Lewis, who plays for Dunfermline, is also a big help.
“It will be great to play more top-team games and I will keep my head down and stay grounded. There is no danger of me getting carried away.
“I am learning all the time and aim to keep doing so.”
McCann has been with Saints for four years, signing from Edinburgh youth outfit Hutchison Vale.
He went to Stranraer on loan last season and felt that stood him in good stead for his first-team breakthrough at Saints this season.
He added: “It was good to get first-team game time at Stranraer.
“They have a very good manager, Stevie Farrell, who helped me a lot. I worked hard, played a number of games and did well.”
Next up for McCann is Hibs at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.
Saints are hoping for their third home win on the bounce after beating Hamilton and Hearts.