Gordon hails‘incredible’Rooney performance

Up and down, up and down.

Shaun Rooney seemed to have endless amounts of energy, pace and power on the right flank. And it was a joy to watch.

He was named man of the match on the best possible day for the Perth Saints. He produced a performance for the ages.

His stunner of a header added the second goal before he played a starring role in setting-up Craig Conway’s third.

Team-mate Liam Gordon hailed Rooney in the aftermath of the 3-0 Hampden victory against Hibernian. “Incredible”was the word.

“The big man has been brilliant in the past six or so games,”Gordon told the PA.

“We knew when he arrived that he could be something very special for us.

“He picked up a wee niggle at the start of the season and then Danny McNamara came in. Look what he’s gone on to do.

“Shaun was unfortunate but now it’s his time. We have a top drawer wing-back and he was incredible on Saturday.

“Attacking and defensively, he was superb. He deserves it more than anyone. He works hard, is a great guy and all the players love him.”

There was no failure in a Perth jersey and Gordon was keen to emphasise that.

He was particularly thrilled for skipper Jason Kerr, who opened the scoring following early Hibs pressure.

“Jason put it right in the top corner,”

Gordon recalled. “It was an incredible leap, he timed it to perfection and what a moment for him. That’s what a true captain does.

“It wasn’t a nervous first 25 minutes but we just found it difficult to get into the game.

“We lacked a little composure which isn’t like us. We got the goal and it gave us that breathing space.

“The second half was a different story but it all came from that moment from the captain.

“At half-time the manager had said that we could play far better. If we got to that level, there was only one team going to the final.

“Having that bit more composure on the ball would lead to chances and that’s exactly what happened.

“Every single individual on that pitch wanted it, not just personally, but for everyone watching from home. It meant so much to all of us.”

There was a little bit of time for Gordon to really enjoy the remaining minutes when Conway put the game beyond doubt.

“We knew we weren’t going to concede three goals with the way we were playing and defending,”Gordon said.

“But we still couldn’t be complacent and switch off.

“I personally wanted a clean sheet in a semi-final, as did all the other defenders.

“You need to take pride in that. We defended really well all the way to the final whistle.”

Perth fans were jubilant in their online celebrations after the game.

But Gordon realises it is not mission accomplished yet.

The final against Livingston, again at the national stadium, will take place on Sunday, February 28.

“It’s a lovely occasion getting to a final,”Gordon said. “It’s the first in the League Cup since 1998.

“It gives the fans another day of potential celebration and one where they can make a day of it from home.

“We’re only halfway there. We’re in this cup to win it, not just to take part. If we get the result in the final, then we can celebrate.”