Be spot on...

regulation time. Mathers agrees.

“He had four or five big saves in the 90 minutes,” he told the PA. “The one with his foot from Alfredo Morelos was important.

“But the other one was when Glen Kamara was through. Zander stands up and the ball hits his leg.

“You obviously don’t want to concede early going to Ibrox so that was a big, big save and probably gave us confidence.

“It was one of those nights for Zander where everything went his way.

“The importance of the occasion and the venue it happened at makes it a massive performance. It was on TV and Rangers were on a great run at home.

“People seem to be forgetting that we’ve played Rangers over 180 minutes in the last five days and are undefeated. A big achievement.

“To make four or five important saves, assist a goal and then save two penalties, it’s up there with the best.”

Clark loves the big occasion and Mathers added: “When you can handle semi-finals and finals at Hampden, the big occasions, that is where you really find the top goalkeepers.

“Zander has now shown it. He has played in a semi-final and final this season and kept two clean sheets.

“For me, he has always been good at dealing with everything. Whether it was mistakes or just being able to stay calm. His temperament has always been an asset and he is proving it to everyone.”

Mathers has been by Clark’s side ever since the now 28-yearold made his first start for St Johnstone in October 2015.

“It was up at Pittodrie and then Alan [Mannus] came back in,” remembers Mathers. “But Zander handled it well and there was never an issue.

“He was 22 or 23 at that point so you need to give him credit for being patient and having the confidence to wait.

“You also need to give the club credit for giving him time. I’ve been at clubs before where a goalkeeper just doesn’t get it.

“He kept working and trying to improve. Then the following season he played the majority of it if memory serves me well.

“Zander supported Alan and Alan supported Zander. I’ve always tried to create that at St Johnstone.

“Zander and Elliott [Parish] now get on really well. There’s the younger ones too. It’s always a group thing and we stick together.

“Ross Sinclair and Jack Wills are hoping the pathway is there for them in the years to come. They will be given every opportunity to follow in Zander’s footsteps.”

And Mathers joked: “It was hard enough for them before Sunday night - now it’s a little bit harder after that assist.”