JACK IS DONS’ UNSUNG HERO, CLAIMS CLARK

THEY always say it’s the quiet ones you need to watch. For Sandy Clark, former St Johnstone boss and Aberdeen coach, a leaning towards a Dons victory in Sunday’s semifinal is largely based on the form of a player for whom shouting from the rooftops will always be left to others. Ryan Jack doesn’t so much go about his business quietly as with a cloak of invisibility. The 22-year-old’s aptitude for doing much of the donkey work in the club’s revival this season is there for all to see, though. Clark liked what he saw from the former Scotland Under-21 while working with Jimmy Calderwood in the Granite City between 2004 and 2009. His understated off-field persona was in sharp contrast to the feisty, intelligent holding midfielder who has blossomed to a new level with Derek McInnes. ‘Ryan’s been an old head on young shoulders for a long time,’ said the current Kilmarnock assistant. ‘He’s such a talented player. He makes it looks so easy on the pitch. ‘He’s a real unsung hero of that Aberdeen team. He disappears under the radar but he does the job. ‘He still has a bit to learn but he has all the qualities to play in that holding midfield role. He scored the winner against Kilmarnock a couple of weeks ago and against St Johnstone in the league, so he’s also a goal threat.’ Jack (right) is one of five survivors from Clark’s time at Pittodrie. Of all those on the books back then, the greatest transformation has been that of Peter Pawlett. His potential was obvious but appearances were more sporadic and came largely on the flanks. A reluctance to stay on his feet was also roundly noted. For Clark, seeing the 23-year-old elevate himself to a new level has been hugely satisfying. ‘His career’s been stop-start with injuries and inconsistent form. You could always see he had the talent but he now has confidence to match it. ‘He’s more dynamic and has pace in abundance. He makes runs into the box and carries a goal threat as he showed when he scored the winner against Celtic.’ Clark was pleased to see the Dons end their 19-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup last month, particularly for faithful servants like Jamie Langfield, Russell Anderson and Andrew Considine. And though he believes they will add to their silverware haul, he feels Sunday’s affair is far from a foregone conclusion, despite watching Aberdeen thump Saints 4-0 in the League Cup last four. ‘Aberdeen did well and got the first goal, then St Johnstone did well for spells in the match,’ he recalled. ‘The 4-0 score looks a hammering but I don’t expect there to be as big a gap this time. ‘Aberdeen look to be stronger because of their attack-minded players, yet St Johnstone are a solid team with solid defenders. ‘Aberdeen have a wee bit more cup form in their favour, though. They have progressed enormously under Derek and Tony Docherty. ‘Winning the League Cup has given them a huge boost. The Dons will believe that not only can they win on Sunday, they can also capture another trophy this season.’