I’ve hung up my boots but class of 2021 can have me jumping with joy all over again
Macca says Perth men are ready for another shot at glory
STEVEN MacLEAN was a firebrand on the pitch.
But now he has stepped into coaching, St Johnstone’s 2014 Scottish Cup goal-scoring hero has toned down his act.
MacLean is relishing his role as No.2 to Callum Davidson. And the Perth management team plan to mark their first season at the helm by seeing-off Hibs in Saturday’s Betfred Cup semi-final.
Former Hearts striker MacLean, who also picked-up a Scottish Cup medal as a Rangers youngster, said: “It has been good making the transition. It’s different but I’m really enjoying it. I don’t miss playing as much as I thought I would. That’s probably because I’m still involved.
“I still wake up thinking about football and can’t sleep at night for thinking about the game. It’s similar to being a player. Win a game and you sleep easier. Lose it and you’re awake in the middle of the night.”
On-field leader MacLean, 38, insists he hasn’t been gagged by Davidson. He said: “If the manager wants me out there he’ll tell me.
“The manager makes the final decision but it’s important I’m not totally caught up in it and wanting to rip people’s heads off.
“You do get carried away at times and maybe early on that’s what was happening. But you have to take a step back as a coach and see what needs done.”
Despite keeping his options open after a promotion campaign with Raith, former Sheffield Wednesday and Cardiff star MacLean admits his playing days are over.
He said: “It was only if something drastic was to happen with Covid. I think you can tell I’m not needed!
“I don’t know if I’d be able to play now anyway. The playing days are gone now.” Departed Saints’ stars such as Dave Mackay, Frazer Wright, Steven Anderson and Chris Millar wrote their names into the history books six years ago with a 2-1 win over Dundee United. And MacLean believes the current crop has what it takes. He said: “There are strong characters in this side. “Dressing rooms are different even from my days here. But you still have experienced guys like Liam Craig, Murray Davidson, David Wotherspoon, Stevie May, Chris Kane and Mikey O’Halloran They have been around. They know what it takes and what semi-finals are all about.
“They know what it’s like to win and lose – they have experienced both and maybe that’s a good thing.”
MacLean hailed the impact made by former team-mate Kane after being teamed-up with Israeli recruit Guy Melamed in the recent games with United and St Mirren.
But he refused to take any credit for the combination, saying: “It’s been tough for Guy but in the last few weeks we’ve seen a difference in him.
“Against United I thought he was excellent and then he played Saturday and got the assist for Kano.
“As a team we’ve played well this season and probably not got what we’ve deserved at times. You can’t feel sorry for yourselves and the strikers need just to keep going and getting in the areas.
“It is up to us as coaches to
Kane, centre keep helping them do the right things. We’re trying to keep working on finishing with them.
“Whether we win or lose we always try to do the same thing and that is to look at where we can improve.
“The stuff Kano does for the team doesn’t go unnoticed by his team-mates.
“He’s added goals now too. I think that’s him got six this season in 10 starts. If he can keep this up it bodes well for him and the team.
“I always say to all the strikers if you keep doing the right things you will get your rewards. “I’m not taking any credit for Kano’s form. If they want extra help I’ll give them extra help. That goes for anyone in the team. I’ll stay there until it is dark if they want.”
MacLean knows St Johnstone have a big job on their hands in the semi. He said: “Hibs deserve to be where they are in the league and we’re under no illusions about it.
“The pressure is on Hibs and the longer we can go in the game it will build on them.”
They know what it takes, what semis are all about STEVEN MacLEAN ON EXPERIENCE IN DRESSING ROOM