Mcdiarmid youngster’s hard work rewarded

ST JOHNSTONE: Liam Craig hails midfielder Ali Mccann’s attitude and energy

Craig was a contender for man of the match at Aberdeen, as was his young central midfield team-mate Ali Mccann, so it was appropriate that the two combined for Saints’ winning goal.

The club’s youth academy has produced a gem, according to the 33-year-old.

“He has been excellent and is so grounded as well,” said Craig.

“He just takes it in his stride and gets on with his work.

“For boys like myself and Murray Davidson, to see someone like Ali come through the youth system and do so well is brilliant for the club.

“If you are that age and dictating games as well as he is then clubs are going to take notice. You see how many players are moving down south at a younger age.

“The club would probably be disappointed if people weren’t looking at Ali because he is doing so well.

“It isn’t easy to come to Aberdeen or play against Hearts, but he is taking it in his stride.

“And it’s not easy to find midfielders who score goals, so for us to produce one from the youth team is great to see.

“Whoever Ali chooses to play for, whoever wants him to play for them, because of the person he is nothing will faze him.

“You never hear him in the changing room. He just goes about his business. Anything he does go on to achieve, he deserves.”

Craig added: “Ali is full of energy and he has been since he started training with the first team.

“He is getting the rewards now for his hard work.

“He is getting in the box and goals. His finish on Wednesday was nearly as good as the pass!

“It was brilliant for him. When I’m sitting, it makes my job a lot easier when he is making those type of runs. He is going from strength to strength.”

Saints have Scottish Cup business at Ayr this weekend, with Craig ready to play his third game in seven days if selected.

He said: “I’ve not had a run in the Scottish Cup for a while and I wasn’t here when we won it, so it would be nice to get a little bit further.”

Picture: SNS. Saints midfielder Ali Mccann, pictured taking on Kilmarnock’s Rory Mckenzie, has been a star performer so far this season.

Liam Craig was a contender for man of the match in Pittodrie victory.