O’Donnell hits back at critics after pulling out of Scotland double header
record of seven successive wins when Matty Kennedy was denied by a combination of the post and the crossbar seven minutes from the final whistle.
While Wright was content with a point, Rugby Park manager Clarke contended that the balance of possession had been tipped in his favour, albeit without unduly troubling Zander Clark – even if the home keeper produced a remarkable one-handed save to thwart Greg Stewart during a livelier second period.
That telling intervention ensured his proud clean sheet record was extended to six matches, spanning 456 minutes.
If this form continues, his club manager’s appeal for
‘‘ I was delighted that the two performances were outstanding
Scotland boss Alex McLeish to take note may be heeded in the New Year.
On the Scotland front, Kilmarnock full-back Stephen O’Donnell revealed he had tried to barrel his way back into the squad for the Nations League clash with Israel, with a hamstring strain forcing his withdrawal from the trip to Albania.
“I went to the game on Tuesday but it probably wasn’t ideal for my hamstring because it was freezing. But I got through it just doing a few squats whenever we scored,” he said. “But on a side note I was delighted that the two results and two performances were outstanding.”
And O’Donnell took umbrage at the notion players were reluctant to pull on the international shirt.
“If anybody has ever questioned my commitment then they don’t know anything about me or my personality,” he said.
“I was gutted. My best pal, Mikey Devlin, pulled out as well which I was devastated about.
“It was devastating for the two of us.”
O’Donnell, 26, worried he might miss the Perth clash but didn’t share his concerns to boss Clarke.
“It was a wee bit sore when I woke up. It was at the top of my hamstring.
“It was just a wee bit niggly but I don’t know if I was just over-thinking it. I was a bit worried about it.
“I never told the medical team, which was probably stupid.”
Wright was pleased to see his well-drilled defence claim yet another clean sheet, with fast maturing U21 international Jason Kerr outstanding.
“Zander showed again he’s ready to play at a higher level because he had nothing to do then pulled out a save like that,” said the Saints manager.
“We could have nicked it with Matty Kennedy’s shot which I can’t believe didn’t go in.”