Delighted my old pal Liam’s joining us in the winners’ enclosure
Record holder Steven praises ‘top pro’
Steven Anderson watched with a smile on Sunday.
St Johnstone’s record appearance holder scaled the highest of heights with the Perth club. He knows how it feels to win national silverware.
And the legendary central defender, who netted in the 2014 Scottish Cup win, was delighted that the class of 2021 was also able to write their names into the history books.
This first-ever League Cup win was special on so many fronts. One of the most refreshing – and emotional – sights was viewing long-serving midfielder Liam Craig finally getting his hands on a trophy.
He had come close on so many occasions throughout his impressive career and was signed with Hibs when Saints triumphed seven years ago.
Anderson said: “I spoke to Liam on Monday and congratulated him. I am delighted for him.
“He obviously missed out on the Scottish Cup when he moved to Hibs. When he moved back to St Johnstone, Hibs won the cup.
“I always wound him up about that. I’d said: ‘Any chance you’d leave St Johnstone so we could win another cup?’
“But, really, I’m delighted for him. He has been a great servant.
“I understand the occasion and what it means to Liam. Only he will be able to tell you about the emotions.
“But he deserves this. He is a model professional and that is what St Johnstone is built on. Liam has worked hard for this over the years.”
Anderson made 441 appearances for Saints, the most in the club’s history. Craig is closing in and has reached 424.
“Records are there to be broken,” Anderson said. “Hopefully he does break it.
“Liam is the kind of player who will try to play as long as he can. I hope he does get another year and kicks on.
“Age is only a number if you keep yourself ticking over. He will and never usually gets an injury.
“He might even move into a player-coach role, but I’m sure he’ll still be there.”
As many have touched upon, a downside to Sunday was that Murray Davidson did not recover in time from a calf injury to take to the field at Hampden.
He was there proudly watching from the stand and rightfully received a winners’ medal.
“I’m gutted for Muzz,” Anderson said. “I spoke to him as well. He was hoping to be ready for the final.
“Muzz has been an unbelievable servant to St Johnstone and I hope he gets that recognition.
“He’s not the kind of player who would want to be up there with the trophy. The boys would need to push him up.
“He doesn’t want the limelight but it showed how much the boys appreciate him in the dressing room. A good lad and a good