Flashback Keano was lucky not to see red
Following a week where retrospective action again hogged the headlines, you sometimes have to wonder about past challenges that went unpunished.
Though it can’t be denied that this snapshot was found purely by accident, after all it was a simply scan of pictures involving St
Mirren and Hearts ahead of this Saturday’s showdown at Tynecastle that mustered it up, it is a belter nonetheless.
St Mirren’s ascent to the Premiership in 2006 was to prove Andy Millen’s last hurrah at a playing career in the top flight. In his advancing years, Millen continued to defy those that claimed he would be unable to keep up with the best sides in the country, continually
Heartbreakers
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition — and a history to match. They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Today, we look back at a tasty tussle at Tynecastle in 2006,
producing steely displays whenever called upon by gaffer Gus MacPherson.
In a squad predominately made up of players who had barely featured in the SPL before, Millen provided the experienced head in the defence as he nurtured, talked and motivated the likes of David van Zanten and Kirk Broadfoot.
But with something of a hardman reputation, the one-time Hibs, Morton and St Johnstone man wasn’t adverse to putting the boot in when required.
With the Buddies having just made the leap back to the top flight following five dark years away, a trip to Tynecastle required a bit of nerve.
And with a Romanov-backed Hearts side boasting an array of talent from the likes of AEK Athens, Benfica and... well Kaunas, in their ranks, St Mirren needed a leader to not be afraid of kicking them where it hurts.
That proved to be the case for Chilean forward Mauricio Pinilla, with the striker baring the brunt of a studs up challenge where the sun don’t shine... as the ball squirms away just like the rest of the crowd.
It appeared to have the desired effect as Saints upped their game to seal their first win against in Gorgie since 1988/89 season.
Stewart Kean was the hero of the hour as he fired home a memorable winner in front of a packed Saints support behind the goal, adding another kick down below for the ponytailed Pinilla.
As Saints celebrated, probably as much the fact that the veteran wasn’t sent off never mind the three points, Pinilla was sent packing with his tail between his legs.