Clark wants response after frustrating loss

Saints keeper looks to make amends in derby after seeing his proud unbeaten record ended by Kilmarnock

Zander Clark suffered his first setback in a St Johnstone jersey against Kilmarnock but the highly-regarded goalkeeper is confident Saints can make amends with a win against Dundee tomorrow.

Clark, 24, has grasped his opportunity to clock up six games in a row since Northern Ireland international Alan Mannus missed out last month with illness, with manager Tommy Wright flagging him up as a future Scotland keeper.

Ironically, he lost his proud unbeaten record in 1-0 loss to Killie despite having little or nothing to do.

Now he is ready to put things right in tomorrow’s home clash against the bottom-of-the-table Dark Blues.

“It was just one those games,” said Clark.

“We didn’t take the chances we created and Kilmarnock scored with their only one.

“These things happen and now it is about how we react to it.

“Pretty much the only thing I had to do was pick the ball out of the back of the net.

“It was frustrating but we will dust ourselves down and go again against Dundee.

“A defeat was always going to come for me at some point and no one here has seen me as a lucky mascot.”

Clark was given game time after the split last term and manager Wright has been adamant he has two quality keepers jousting for the jersey.

“I’m delighted to be getting a run of games,” added Clark.

“We have been playing well and results have shown that.

“It’s good as a keeper that the boys in front of you are doing well. It makes the goalie’s job that bit easier.

“It was frustrating sitting on the bench last season after playing on loan at Queen of the South.

“Once you get that taste of first team football you want more.

“But I knew it was going to be tough to come back here and play with Al doing so well. I feel fortunate to have been given the chance.”

Clark has highlighted the crucial role his mentor Mannus has played in his development.

And he maintained: “Nothing has changed between Al and myself. “The relationship is exactly the same. “He is always there to help me out and when he was playing I was there for him.

“I am still learning every day from Al and our goalkeeping coach Paul Mathers.”

While this is shaping up as a milestone season for Clark, he has been around the club long enough to appreciate the importance of tomorrow’s lunchtime clash with the Dens men.

And he insists Saints won’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the Dark Blues’ current status as the team propping up the table.

He said: “I have been here for eight years now and I know what the derby means to our fans.

“It’s always a good occasion if we can give them bragging rights with a win.

“Dundee will bring a good support and it should be a good game.

“It’s too early in the season to judge teams. We have to make sure we are ready for them.

“Hopefully we can keep another clean sheet.

“As a keeper, that is always your aim going into any match.

“Do that and you have a chance of getting something out of the game.”

Picture: SNS Group. Zander Clark: hoping to bounce back from suffering his first league defeat as Saints’ keeper.

Alan Mannus: hailed by Clark for his supporting role this season.