EURoPean TaRgeT Ajer

for Ajer’s on-the-day display and all-round development following the Dons win, but did confess the suitors will again circle with AC Milan amongst the clubs who have cast an eye on him.

He said: “Kris isn’t overly thinking about his future. It’s just about giving his best wherever he is but I’ve no doubt that there will be interest. He’s still young and he’s an international.

“With his speed, size, technique and ability, there’s going to be interest. When that comes, it’ll be the club and Kris making that decision.

“It’s important for the club going forward to keep players like him, but it’s a two-way thing. If it makes sense from a business perspective and the player sees his future elsewhere, things change.”

SHAUN ROONEY’S header earned St Johnstone Betfred Cup glory in a battle of the underdogs at Hampden. Here’s how things panned out...

ROONEY SHOW

The right wing-back was the man of the match in the semi against Hibs and bulleted home his third goal in four games to hand Saints the advantage. His prowess forced Davie Martindale into a curious tactical change as the Livi gaffer put Marvin Bartley at left-wing. But there was nothing the captain could do when Rooney towered above everyone in the box to turn the tide of the final. He went from strength to strength. Had his long-ranger found the net before the break it would have been some strike. The Bellshill Cafu indeed.

DAVIDSON COMES OUT ON TOP

Both gaffers pulled a few surprises in their team selections. Martindale brought Bartley into a position he’s rarely played while asking Steve Lawson to hold down the midfield. Callum Davidson, meanwhile, left striker Guy Melamed on the bench despite a double against Motherwell last week. It was a curious decision but one that paid off as Saints’ wing-backs stretched the opposition while creating ample room for Craig Conway and David Wotherspoon to threaten.