WE CAN BE CUP GIANT-KILLERS Boss says players have to believe
Former St Johnstone goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert is throwing open the doors of his gym on Saturday.
He is sending out the invite to anyone who is interested in trying out equipment and learning more about the new Ladeside Business Centre facility.
Cuthbert has also been reminiscing about a previous meeting with Celtic as Saints prepare to do battle with the holders in the Scottish Cup quarter-final this weekend.
●Turn inside to page 50 to read the full interview and for more information about the gym open day.
St Johnstone have learnt from previous Celtic encounters and should believe a Scottish Cup giantkilling is possible.
That was the message from manager Tommy Wright ahead of Sunday’s quarter-final tie against the defending champions.
The odds are firmly stacked against the Perth club but the Northern Irishman has been buoyed by a recent run of positive form.
And a 2-2 draw with Rangers last Sunday has fuelled confidence further that the unthinkable can become reality.
“We had Celtic watched at the weekend,” he said.
“We have learnt from previous games, particularly the last one. We were tentative, stood off them and individually didn’t defend situations well. In saying that, they said after the game it was their best 30 minutes all season.
“I know people said Celtic took their foot off the gas in the second half. But I know Neil Lennon and he wouldn’t be like that.
“We’ve got to give that second half performance for 90 minutes. “When you play a team with so much quality, I need everybody to perform to the level I think they can. An example of that was Sunday.
“The Rangers result should give them more confidence. But the run we’re on should give us confidence. “It’s certainly still the David versus Goliath tie of the round. “Nobody would have wanted Celtic at this stage.
“It’s a difficult game but who knows what can happen.”
Wright realises his defence will need to have a near flawless game and hopes recent addition Jamie McCart keeps up his solid start.
“I’ve been really pleased with Jamie,” said Wright, who confirmed Inverness full-back Shaun Rooney has penned a pre-contract.
“He was thrown in against Celtic last time and did extremely well. We knew how good a player he was.
“He has given us a balance with a right and left-footer. There is a lot of pressure on him because he’s the first player I’ve actually paid money for.”
The Saints boss is a happy man with his squad and insists it is one which now has three or four sellable assets to move forward with.
“I think the chairman doesn’t give himself enough credit in terms of how well he has done here,” said Wright. “And also how well he has managed the club and managed the finances.
“He has taken over a club and increased the cash reserves. He has got a young, exciting squad now with three or four sellable assets.
“There was a bit of pain in the summer. But we worked hard together in the last window to try and minimise losses that were projected. He has got to look at how well he has done over his whole tenure.”