How Hampden heroes have helped showcase Saints’ youth academy

Jason Kerr and Ali McCann are gone but they remain poster boys for a St Johnstone academy set-up that is reaping major financial rewards.

Both players started out with Edinburgh boys’ clubs – Kerr at Tynecastle and McCann with Hutchison Vale – before they were snapped up by Saints and given a chance of a professional football career.

The role model effect for youngsters coming up behind them is one manager Callum Davidson believes will be crucial for player development and revenue income at McDiarmid Park in the years to come.

“It shows what a club like St Johnstone can do,” he said.

“There’s two players who have come through our academy – both came here from boys’ clubs, albeit at different ages.

“They were both talented but raw.

“We gave them an opportunity to come and play and they’ve grasped that opportunity.

“There’s a message to good young players – come to St Johnstone and you’ll get your chance.

“Liam Craig and Steven MacLean were telling some of our boys that yesterday – look at Ali and Jason as examples of what you can achieve.

“They have showcased our academy.”

It goes without saying that two players who were St Johnstone Hampden heroes have been given glowing references from their now former head coach.

“Jason came to us from Tynecastle Boys as a raw, young central midfielder and he leaves as the captain of a doublewinning team,” said Davidson.

“It’s all credit to him as a person. He’s a fantastic professional and a great player.

“I’m obviously disappointed to have lost him but it’s an understandable situation.

“He’s 24 now and was with us for seven years. He gave the club fantastic service in that time.

“He wasn’t going to stay beyond this season and we knew that was the situation. We wish him all the best and he’ll be a hard man to replace.

“Ali’s accelerated even faster.

“Look at where he was two years ago and now he’s an established international, showing what he can do against top teams.

“Last year he gave me great service – he adapted to a different position. Ali understands the game really well. You ask him to do a job and he does it.

“I was probably a bit more disappointed to lose Ali due to the nature of the timing.

“Again, that’s football.”

Former Saints Jason Kerr, left, and Ali McCann.