Wright’s faith in kid Ali is growing

Ali McCann and David Wotherspoon were the Perth goal heroes as St Johnstone netted a crucial three points from a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock at the weekend.

Scott Tanser was reinstated to the team and provided the crosses for both finishes. He said:“I’ve been keeping my head up, the gaffer has given me a chance and I’ve taken it.”

●Turn inside for the full report and reaction.

He was thrown into Premiership life during a 7-0 drubbing against Celtic on the league’s opening day.

But despite the scoreline, it was Ali McCann’s 45-minute showing which paved the way for a continued run of games.

Saints welcome Celtic to McDiarmid Park tomorrow and manager Tommy Wright is again expected to place his trust in the 20-year-old.

The midfielder recently penned a new three-anda-half year deal, which was noted as being sensible business.

“In a strange sort of way it was the Celtic game at the start of the season where he got his chance,” said Wright.

“We were getting battered. I told him at half-time the game had basically gone. We were down 3-0 when I put him on.

“I said he should just go out and stamp his authority on it. I already knew I had a player on my hands.

“It was whether he could do it against good opposition. He was excellent that day at Celtic Park.

“He saw it as an opportunity and that tells you the type of character he is. Ali stayed in the team the next week against Livingston.”

Wright envisages it will not be long before clubs begin showing real interest in McCann.

“Ali is getting better and better,” Wright said yesterday morning. “I am pleased the club have got him on a longer term contract.

“Because in the next window I am expecting there will be a lot of interest in him and people knocking on our door.

“You never really know how far a young player can go but in terms of the modern midfielder, Ali has all the qualities required.

“He will become stronger in the upper body because he is still a young man.

“But he has a great engine, he can play any role in the middle of the park and has a good range of passing.

“Ali is tenacious and has really good attributes. He has been a big plus for us. I doubt he will see out the full length of his new contract.”