Wright delighted to prove doubters wrong as Perth
TOMMY Wright believes in-form St Johnstone have made a mockery of their critics after a “perfect” performance against Hibernian saw their winning run extend to four Premiership matches.
The Saints, paragons of overachievement in recent seasons, endured a sequence of five games without a win this term, with 5-1 and 6-0 defeats to Rangers and Celtic respectively particularly eye-catching.
Wright, however, was never tempted to panic, even if some onlookers appeared keen to start sharpening their knives.
Their showing yesterday was superb. They were every bit as good as Hibs were dreadful. Joe Shaughnessy’s late goal capped an imperious individual performance, while they also struck the crossbar through Tristan Nydam before Danny Swanson had a penalty kick saved by Adam Bogdan.
“Maybe some nice things will be written and said about us now because I think we proved what a good side we are,” said Wright.
“I was never panicking, I know plenty of other people were – some so-called experts wanted to put the boot in. I’d like to know where their foot is now.
“I rate Neil Lennon as one of the best managers in the country and his team are one of the most exciting teams in the league. So to come here and win is very pleasing.”
St Johnstone’s dominance ensured what was initially an electric occasion, bristling with meaning, swiftly fell flat.
Lennon had emerged from the tunnel to a thundering reception from the Hibs supporters. It was a show of solidarity after the Northern Irishman was struck by a coin during Wednesday’s shameful Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle, before subsequently opening up on the “racist” abuse he endures in Scotland after a picture of graffiti reading “Hang Neil Lennon” emerged in Gorgie.
Although united behind Lennon in vociferous fashion prior to kick-off, Easter Road was almost silenced when on-loan Ipswich midfielder