Saints goalie gloves in safe hands – Mannus

Alan Mannus insists the St Johnstone goalie gloves will remain in safe hands even after he leaves the club at the end of the season.

The Scottish Cup-winning hero has decided to return to Ireland after seven years with Saints and will be rejoining former club Shamrock Rovers.

The 35-year-old’s place in St Johnstone folklore is set in stone and he will be a big loss to Tommy Wright’s side.

However, Mannus believes that his recent rival for the No 1 jersey, Zander Clark, as well as the other goalies coming through at the club, will ensure Saints are strong between the sticks for years to come.

He said: “Zander has already proved he can play as a No 1. It’s not a case of asking if he is ready.”

“We have been pushing each other for the jersey all season. I have no doubts about Zander,” said Mannus.

“He has already shown how good a keeper he is and I have no doubt that he can go on to play at an even higher level one day.

“We also have younger keepers like Mark Hurst, who has had some time on loan at East Fife this season, Ben Mackenzie and young Ross Sinclair all coming through.

“They all have more quality about them than I did at a similar age.

“They will definitely progress under (St Johnstone keeping coach) Paul Mathers. I want to go into coaching myself and he is first class. I have studied him closely.”

Mannus admits he owes a big debt of gratitude to a whole host of people who have played important roles during his time in Scotland.

He added: “I have learned so much from Paul and the manager, who is a former goalkeeper.

“I have contacted all my old coaches to pass on my thanks in the last few weeks.

“Gordon Marshall was here when I first came in and had a big say in me coming over from Shamrock Rovers. I looked out for him after the recent Aberdeen game to thank him.

“I have also called Alan Combe and Steve Banks to acknowledge what they did for me when they were with St Johnstone.

“I also appreciated the fact Stevie Woods would wait after games against Celtic to shake my hand and say well done, no matter what the result was.

“Coming from my background in part-time football in Northern Ireland for the coach at a club like Celtic to take time to come over and do that was a lovely touch.

“That was a big thing for me.”