Mannus: It couldn’t have happened to a better person
Alan Mannus has ventured forward on numerous occasions in his long and successful career.
But the former St Johnstone goalkeeper admits Zander Clark has got one up on him with Sunday’s last-gasp heroics at Ibrox.
Clark’s headed assist in the 122nd minute to force Scottish Cup quarter-final penalties was a moment aired across the world.
And Mannus said:“I have scored a goal for Linfield years ago. That was a long kick up the park which bounced over the keeper’s head.
“But I have gone up in the last minute any number of times but never scored.
“I have only got my head to it once and that went past the post. So Zander is one up on me – at least he got his header on target!
“Zander will just be delighted that they got the goal, regardless of Kano getting the final touch.
“As a keeper myself, the last thing you want when a team sends their goalkeeper up for a corner in the final moments of a game is to see him score. You don’t want the ball to go anywhere near him.
“It causes confusion because there’s an extra man in the box, so who picks him up?
“Managers go over set-pieces and who picks up who at them. But they probably never think about a situation like this.
“And given the sheer size of Zander that’s obviously an added threat. Even if he goes in there and just stands he is causing a distraction.
“It’s certainly something he will always remember and so will Saints fans.”
Clark would move on to save two Rangers spot-kicks in the shootout to help Saints set up a last-four tie with St Mirren.
“We all know he is capable of unbelievable saves so the ones during the game and even in the penalty shootout shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone,”Mannus added.
“I’m not surprised he saved two Rangers penalties. I don’t know if he researched them or played it by ear. I have done both myself at different times and it was much the same outcome.
“After the performance he turned in and with his character and mentality, Zander deserved any luck that was going in the shootout.
“I have watched Zander develop over the years and no one deserves the positivity and credit he’s getting more than him.
“He has put in the hard work since he was 18 and this is his reward.
“It couldn’t happen to a better person. I couldn’t be happier for him.”
Mannus, a Scottish Cup winner with Saints, would love to see the Perth club lift more silverware.
He said:“People keep doubting St Johnstone but it just goes to show they can never be written off.
“When will people ever learn? It’s typical of St Johnstone.
“The competition is wide open now.
“Callum will have them focusing on the semi-final and not getting ahead of themselves.
“I keep an eye on how Saints are doing and he seems to be doing a great job in getting the team organised and ready.
“Why can’t Saints repeat our win of 2014?
“Obviously they weren’t favourites going into the Rangers game and having already won the Betfred Cup they will be full of belief.
“I would love to see the current team go on to win the trophy now.
“We all remember how great a day it was for the club, the players and above all the supporters seven years ago.
“I’m sure the club wanted it to be more than a one-off.
“It was always nice to prove people wrong when I was at St Johnstone and it’s good to see they are still punching above their weight.”