Mccann looks to make new cup memories

Saints youngster hopes to put lessons learned from senior pros to good use

It isn’t just the Class of 2014 who have vivid memories of May 17, St Johnstone’s greatest day.

Ali Mccann had just started his Saints journey a few months before but was made to feel part of what turned out to be a career-defining occasion for now teammates David Wotherspoon, Stevie May and Murray Davidson.

What transpired at Parkhead opened the 20-year-old’s eyes to the hard work he would need to put in to become a Perth player, and to the magic of the Scottish Cup.

“I was 14 here when the club won the cup, and was at Celtic Park that day,” Mccann recalled.

“The club got everyone tickets so all of our team came up to Mcdiarmid Park in the morning and they took us down on buses. It was a great day seeing the team win it and everyone celebrating.

“Back then when you’re just 14 you think you’re a million miles away from that sort of thing happening.

“That was my first year attached to the club and I’m the only one who was in my team left. Everyone else is away. Some are playing in the juniors and others are out of football altogether.

“That just shows how difficult it is to make a career out of football, never mind win a trophy.

“It was great watching guys like Stevie May, David Wotherspoon, Murray Davidson play back then, and now I’m part of a team with them looking to go on a cup run.”

Mccann is in no doubt the education in midfield play he got from senior pros at Mcdiarmid has helped him become one of the brightest young talents in the Premiership.

One of those senior pros was a man he could face today, Morton’s Chris Millar.

“I had six months with the first-team squad when Midgey was still here and he was a big help to me,” said Mccann.

“Like all the senior boys, he was good to speak to and always wanted to help the young lads out. Because we play in the same position he was someone I always looked at, watching to see what he did so I could pick things up.

“He’s a neat and tidy player who is good on the ball and gets around the park, which is what I try to be as well. When you have players like him around – and others like Liam Craig – you pick up good habits and it stands you in good stead.

“You can’t be afraid to ask questions and if you do that then people will help you out when you make a mistake by advising you on what to do differently next time.”

Mccann’s Saints career started in the cup on a heavy pitch in Coatbridge two years ago.

“I made my debut against Albion Rovers,” he said.

“I was supposed to be playing in an under-20s game on the Monday but I got told I wasn’t going to that because the gaffer was putting me on the bench.

“I came on for the last 20 minutes with the team 4-0 up, so it was a good one to ease me into it. I came on for Murray Davidson, playing alongside Paul Paton in the middle.

“It was a great experience and I can’t wait for this weekend’s game. Morton will be tough opponents. They have had good results in the league this season.

“We want to go on a cup run. It has been a while since we had one – probably when the club won it, to be honest, so it’s overdue.”

Saints assistant manager Alec Cleland said: “We played so well against Ross County and the fans were right behind us.

“It would have been good to carry that on, and we’re desperate to get going again after the break.

“It would be good to keep that momentum going. The players are refreshed and raring to go.

“We’ll take nothing for granted. Morton are a good Championship side. We know what we’re facing but we’ll be up for the challenge.”

Picture: PPA. Ali Mccann training for the cup clash.