Each Saint to feature Mackay on shirt back

St Johnstone fans will no longer have to“dream of a team of Dave Mackays.”

In tonight’s testimonial match with Dundee, every one of the Perth players — current stars and a string of legends — will wear shirts with the Scottish Cup winning captain’s name and No 2 on the back.

The shirts, specially created by Total Teamwear Scotland, were unveiled in advance of tonight’s derby clash by testimonial committee chairman Scott Findlay and Athole McDonald and Colin MacFarlane from match sponsors Kilmac and Booker Perth respectively.

Scott said:“This is the supporters’chance to say a proper farewell to Dave, whose playing career was cut short after hip surgery last year. It promises to be a special night for fans and for a true club legend.

“In his years with Saints, even before Dave lifted the Scottish Cup three years ago, he was a player fans knew gave them 100 per cent every time he pulled on the jersey and he has to be among the club’s most consistent performers of all-time.

“From the committee’s very first meeting we wanted to turn the dream of a team of Dave Mackays into reality for one night.

“Dave’s career began at Dundee FC and we are grateful for their support. With many of their own legends, along with Stoke City midfielder Charlie Adam, agreeing to make an appearance, we are looking forward to Dark Blues fans joining us at McDiarmid.”

While the first hour or so of the match will feature the

regular St Johnstone and Dundee first team squads, the closing stages will see legends from both clubs turning back the clock.

Names in the frame are Roddy Grant, Danny Griffin, John O’Neil, Darren Dods, Martin Hardie, Paul Sheerin, Nathan Lowndes, Jody Morris and Scottish Cup winner Frazer Wright, along with Rab Douglas, Barry Smith, Steven Milne, Charlie Adam, Peter MacDonald, Gary Harkins and current Dens Park management duo Neil McCann and Graham Gartland.

Tonight’s testimonial match kicks-off at 7.30pm and admission at the gate has been pegged at £15 and £5 for U16s and seniors. The East and West stands will be open, with Dundee fans accommodated in the north of the main stand (turnstiles six and seven).