LIAM’S LIVING THE SAINTS DREAM

Ex-Perth High pupil’s new deal

St Johnstone defender Liam Gordon is continuing to fulfil his boyhood dream.

The former Perth High School pupil penned a new two year deal earlier this week, keeping him at the club until 2019.

He used to watch from the McDiarmid Park stands as a youngster and now the 21-yearold has spoken of his delight at having his contract extended.

Gordon admits moving away from Saints was never on his radar and he said: “It’s good to have my future sorted out because I didn’t want to go anywhere else.

“I used to come and watch the team play as a supporter when I was younger and a lot of my mates still go to the games.

“I was desperate to stay here because I think I’m making progress and working under the right people so I’m delighted.

“This is my second season I’ve been here now and I think I’ve got a good future here. Next season will be a massive one for me because I want to break into the team.

“I’ve played a few games and feel I’ve done well. But I have people like Steven Anderson and Joe Shaughnessy ahead of me and they have been superb.

“I watched the likes of Ando when I was coming to games with my dad and grandad. He’s great to train with every day, you learn so much from him.

“You just have to bide your time, try to keep improving and then take the chance when it comes along. That’s part of growing up, all you can do is just try to give the manager something to think about.

“I feel I have done okay in the games I have played and am able to step in when required.

“So next season I have to be ready when I’m needed.”

Gordon was signed up by the Perth club after leaving Hearts in 2015.

He has never looked back and now wants to push for first team football.

“Leaving Hearts was the best thing that could have happened to me,” Gordon explained.

“When they took me in I was told that they would be bringing in players from elsewhere and they didn’t think I would be able to break through.

“I wasn’t released because I wasn’t good enough, it was they were planning to go in another direction. So I came here and I think that has been the best thing

happened.

“I got a fresh start coming to St Johnstone and I think I’ve made loads of progress.

“The challenge for me now is to get a good pre-season under me this summer and hopefully give the manager something to think about.”

Fellow Saints defender Aaron Comrie (20) put pen to paper this week to also sign a new two year deal.

The Perth pair are currently gaining experience on loan at Scottish League One side Peterhead.

“I’m enjoying my loan at Peterhead just now, I’ve played a few games recently and that is helping my development,” Gordon said.

“Aaron is with me up there and he’s a brilliant player. He’s signed a new deal as well and will be giving the manager a headache because he’ll be pushing next season.

“We both just want to kick on from here.”