Sinclair’ s No 1 aim to follow in footsteps of Saints greats

● Young goalie inspired by the likes of Clark and Mannus ● Home debut on Sunday will be ‘special’ for Perth native

Having been part of the St Johnstone goalkeeping fraternity for a decade, Ross Sinclair does not lack Mcdiarmid Park mentors.

And now that the former Scotland under-21 international has made a “dream come true” with his first team debut, he feels ready to extend the Saints succession.

Alan Mannus, Zander Clark and Remi Matthews have big gloves to fill but Sinclair is confident he will be up to the task.

“I was gutted to see Remi go but it opened up an opportunity for me,” said the 22-year-old.

“Remi has been great for the team and he’s been great for me.

“Hopefully I can meet the standards he’s set and try to do even better.

“Zander and I are close as well. Zander was a young goalie when I came to the club at 12. Big Al was here as well.

“Zander took me under his wing and we spoke before the game. I knew I was playing and he’s obviously someone I trust.

“I got some words of wisdom about staying calm and just doing what’s got me to this point.

“There’s always been a pathway for goalkeepers here and that’s something which has motivated me.

“You can go back a lot of years for the good goalies who have played here.

“There are ones coming through the academy just now behind me. It’s great to be part of it all.”

There were 254 Saints fans in Dingwall to watch Sinclair and his teammates draw 3-3 but there will be a lot more to see the former Perth Academy pupil play his first game at Mcdiarmid.

“My dad, my big brother, my gran and grandpa all made it up for the Ross County match,” he said.

“Mum was too nervous. She stayed at home and I don’t think she watched it. They’re buzzing for me and I’m so grateful for all they’ve done to help me get to this point.

“I’m a Perth boy and this means a lot. All my pals will be at the game on Sunday, so I’m really looking forward to my first home match. It will be special.”

Sinclair added: “I was pleased with my first performance overall. I made some good saves. The first one early in the game eased the nerves.

“It was frustrating to not get the three points after being 2-0 up but from a personal point of view I’m delighted to have made my debut for this club.

“I was confident that when my chance came I would do a good job for the team. I think I did that.

“I believe I’m ready to play at this level and play for this club. It’s a dream come true.

“I’ll now look towards Livi on Sunday and then next season. This is absolutely an opportunity to stake a claim for next season.

“I want to finish on a high and so do the team.

“You’ve got to back yourself. I had a good loan spell at Montrose and when

I came back I wasn’t here to sit about. I wanted to knock the door down to get in the team.”

Meanwhile, Matthews has told Perth supporters they will forever “have a place in my heart“after his season-long spell at Mcdiarmid Park came to an end.

The Crystal Palace man has returned to London after picking up a hamstring injury.

Matthews has been a popular player after replacing double-winner Zander Clark and has regularly taken part in community projects during his time away from the stadium.

“Perth is a beautiful place and I’ve loved everything about it,” he said.

“I really wanted to get involved as much as I could with the community when I came up here.

“I think as footballers we sometimes forget how much we can give back to kids and fans. I’ve really enjoyed that side of it and giving back where I can.

“I have to thank the fans. They were incredible from the day I arrived and really made me feel welcome.

“The fans always make a brilliant noise wherever they go. It’s one thing I noticed most about this club is the community and fan base.

“They have always been behind us even during the tougher times during the season. This club is one that will always have a place in my heart and I will keep an eye on.

“I’m gutted I won’t be able to get to say a proper goodbye to the fans, but it’s time to go home and spend some quality time with my family who, unfortunately, I haven’t seen much this year.

“I just want everyone to know how much I appreciate the love and support you gave me this season. It was an experience I will never forget.”

It was fitting that Matthews kept a clean sheet in his last game at Kilmarnock, playing his part in a victory that

secured Saints their top flight status for a 15th season.

“I’ve absolutely loved my time at St Johnstone,” he added.

“I am so relieved to be able to leave the club with their safety secured.

“I may have only been on loan but I knew how much it meant to everyone and to myself, so I’m delighted to maintain Saints’ top flight status.

“St Johnstone are a top flight club without shadow of a doubt.

“Macca came in and has done brilliantly, he really lifted the place and did everything he could to give us that final push over the line.”

READY TO STEP UP: Goalkeeper Ross Sinclair says it was ‘a dream come true’ to make his St Johnstone first team debut at Ross County in midweek. Inset – Remi Matthews punches the ball away in his final match for the Perth men at the weekend.