Beating Rangers at Ibrox can be catalyst for Europe: Connolly

St Johnstone legend John Connolly says the Perth men will never have a better chance of ending their 46-year wait for a league win at Ibrox.

And it could be the catalyst for a European slot – just as it was back in 1971.

Connolly reckons the Light Blues are there for the taking under Graeme Murty’s stewardship and says it will be no surprise if Tommy Wright’s side create a bit of history tonight.

He said: “If you are in the St Johnstone team you would have to be thinking that this is a good time to get Rangers.

“I don’t think Saints will have a better chance of ending this record and enhancing their chances of getting back into Europe. And if Saints do that again it will be a phenomenal achievement because in all honesty it is beyond what supporters should expect.

“The reality is if Tommy Wright keeps St Johnstone in the Premiership he’s done a god job. If he gets them in the top six he’s done a fantastic job.

“They are punching above their weight but it has been great to see.”

Saints were two points clear of Rangers when they went to Ibrox on April 17 1971 in the penultimate match of the season but had inferior goal difference.

And they won the match thanks to an early Henry Hall goal and then a lastminute strike from Connolly.

He said: “I can’t believe it’s 46 years since Saints last won in the league at Ibrox but they must have a great chance of doing it. It certainly wouldn’t surprise me.

“We actually did the league double over Rangers back in 1970-71 as we beat them 2-1 at Muirton Park earlier in the season and I scored in that game too.

“It was a great season for us back in 1970-71 because we finished above Rangers in third place in the league and that got us into Europe.”

1971 match-winner John Connolly.