The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Veteran still keen to play Saints role
ST JOHNSTONE: Millar desperate to finish testimonial year at McDiarmid
Chris Millar helped St Johnstone roll back the years for their win against Rangers on Saturday.
And the veteran midfielder, who was told he could leave the club in the summer, is hopeful that there is a lot more to come from him in a Saints jersey.
The man-of-the-match in the 3-1 win at Ibrox, the Perth side’s first league win at Ibrox since 1971, said: “I still think there is another year or two left in me but that is up to the manager. As long as he picks me, I’ll play.
“If he doesn’t then that is his decision and I’m fine with that. That is the way it has been this season for me but I haven’t changed my attitude.
“I’ve gone in every day to work hard at training and been good about the place, trying to lift the spirit of the boys.
“I’m contracted to St Johnstone and I love the club. I have been here for 10 years, it’s my testimonial year and I want to finish it here,” added Millar.
Chris Millar believes he still has plenty to offer at St Johnstone after his man-ofthe-match performance in the Perth men’s victory at Ibrox.
The McDiarmid Park midfielder played a starring role in the weekend win against Rangers – his first start in two months.
Millar was told he was free to find another club in the summer but the 34-year-old insists he never lost belief in his own ability.
His belief was aided by watching an interview with Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas, who was in the similar situation of being on the bench or in the stand more than he hoped.
Goals from Blair Alston, Denny Johnstone and Graham Cummins resulted in Saints’ first league win at Ibrox since 1971 as Millar played the full 90 minutes.
He said: “It’s been a tough season for me and I’ve not played a lot of football. I’ve been frustrated sitting in the stands watching.”
He added: “To come back in after two and a half months not playing, I felt I played really well personally and as a team. Coming to a place like this and getting a win is really satisfying.
“I’m 34 now so I need to be playing games, and I don’t want to be sitting in the stand every week.
“Hopefully the performance shows their is still plenty life left in me.
“I watched an interview with Cesc Fabregas where he was talking about how last year he wasn’t playing as much, and this year he has been.
“Someone like that is talking about working hard and getting his head down in training.
“That’s what I’ve been doing. “It’s paid off, and I thought we were excellent all over the park.
“We were defensively sound and the boys up top worked their backsides off.
“I’m a confident guy and I have never doubted my ability.
“A lot has been said about my injuries. “This year I have been available for so many games and have not been played. That is the manager’s decision and I respect that.
“I’m 34 so I need to be playing games here. If it comes to the crunch when I’m not playing games then obviously I need to look somewhere else.”
Millar watched Rangers take a fifthminute lead on Saturday as Ryan Jack teed-up Alfredo Morelos to guide the ball across Zander Clark and into the bottom corner of the net.
The goal left Saints manager Tommy Wright infuriated, but five minutes later the Northern Irishman was celebrating an equaliser.
History repeated itself as Alston again netted a screamer at Ibrox, albeit this time with his left boot, to stun the home support.
It was Paul Paton’s chipped delivery which was nodded to the edge of the box by Portuguese defender Bruno Alves.
Former Falkirk man Alston struck first time to send the ball whistling beyond a helpless Wes Foderingham.
It was proving to be a match with few clear-cut chances and, while Rangers had the bulk of possession, Saints were looking dangerous on the break.
Johnstone had the tough task of playing up top on his own, and his efforts were rewarded in the 61st minute.
He nodded Liam Craig’s pin-point delivery from the left wing into the bottom corner before celebrating his first goal for the club with the small pocket of travelling fans.
An enjoyable afternoon for the supporters from Perth was about to get even better.
Graham Cummins entered the action in the 71st minute and netted with his second touch to increase the advantage and provide breathing space.
The Irishman linked-up with fellow substitute David Wotherspoon to strike home first-time from the right edge of the box.
“It was a typical St Johnstone performance of years gone by,” Millar said. “We were organised, hard-working but playing with quality.
“You won’t see three better goals in a game this weekend, so we are absolutely delighted.
“It wasn’t a stroll by any means. There was a lot of hard work put into the game from everybody.
“You need to work hard and keep your shape. When you get the ball you need to try and keep it.
“I think that is one thing that we did well. When we got the ball we played into good areas and Stefan Scougall was excellent picking up pockets of space.”
Now Millar is hoping his performance can result in a prolonged run in the team.
He said: “I still think there is another year or two left in me, but that is up to the manager. As long as he picks me, I’ll play.
“If he doesn’t then that is his decision and I’m fine with that.
“That is the way it has been this season for me, but I haven’t changed my attitude.
“I’ve gone in every day to work hard at training and been good about the place, trying to lift the spirit of the boys.
“I’m contracted to St Johnstone and I love the club. I have been here for 10 years, it’s my testimonial year and I want to finish it here.”
“It was a typical St Johnstone performance of years gone by. CHRIS MILLAR