May is back on the front line
Saints hitman has put Cup party on hold to answer country’s call
SLUMPED in the back seat on the upper deck with his trademark locks trailing scruffily over the lapel of his club suit, Stevie May was a little worse for wear as the open-top bus carried St Johnstone’s Scottish Cup winners through the streets of Perth last Sunday.
Fast forward a couple of days and the striker was back in full flow, leading the line — and scoring — for the Scotland Under-21 side as they participated in a bounce match at Largs.
May had enjoyed his celebrations but was quickly required to switch his focus to the European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands in Paisley this midweek.
While coach Billy Stark afforded his captain Stuart Armstrong a few days off to work Dundee United’s defeat out of his system, May continues to feed off the energy of a wonderful season that ended with the double glory of being crowned the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year and that Cup triumph.
‘It was an outstanding weekend,’ he said. ‘You have to make the most of it when it comes, don’t you? You don’t get the chance to celebrate like that very often.
‘There were a lot more people out there than we ever imagined. When we turned the last corner into the city centre, there were fans everywhere, it was unreal.
‘I’d imagine my week has been a lot different from that of the other lads. They’re all away in the sun celebrating — as I would be if I wasn’t here preparing with Scotland. But this is a massive game and we have to focus. We need points to qualify and we’ve been preparing well.’
Wednesday’s fixture is crucial to the young Scots’ hopes of making it to the Euros in the Czech Republic next summer. Stark’s team currently sit in fourth spot of Group Three, but have a game in hand over section leaders Slovakia, whom they face in their next match in September.
By winning the remaining three fixtures of a campaign that concludes in Luxembourg, Scotland will jump above the Slovaks and put themselves in the frame for at least a play-off spot. The Dutch, unbeaten in four fixtures, are favourites to top the group.
Scotland lost 4-0 in the corresponding away fixture last year but May, who appeared as a substitute that night, insists Stark’s team have not been cowed by the experience.
‘We were unlucky — the result doesn’t really reflect how the game went at all,’ he said. ‘We had chances early, one-on-ones, and could have been leading.
‘We know we can create against them, we just need to tighten up a bit, get a little bit of luck and there’s no reason we can’t pick up three points. We’re a confident bunch of boys — nearly all of us are playing week in, week out at our clubs, so we believe in our ability.
‘You know what you’re going to get with Holland. They’re going to be good footballers, hard working, fit as fiddles. A lot of their players are playing regularly for teams like Ajax and PSV but our group is as technical as you’ll see.
‘You just need to watch a training session and you’ll see how many good footballers are coming through in Scotland.’
As the Dutch test is ongoing, Scotland’s senior side will be in non-competitive action against Nigeria in London. May wasn’t too far away from claiming a place in Gordon Strachan’s squad but is not disheartened by the fact he has not yet broken through.
‘Pulling on a Scotland strip is a great achievement, whatever level it’s at,’ he added. ‘But, without being too cocky, it’s playing every week that gives you your self-confidence.’
In that regard, Saints boss Tommy Wright is to be commended for giving May his opportunity this term. A veteran of loan spells with Alloa Athletic and Hamilton Accies, last summer, the striker returned to McDiarmid Park a tougher, hungrier prospect and managed to replicate his lower-league exploits by bagging 27 goals.
Peterborough United attempted to take May south in January but he elected to stay and pursue silverware.
That goal may have been achieved but now he’s willing to extend his contract and strive for further achievement with the Perth club.
‘This has been the best and most enjoyable season so far for me,’ said May. ‘Playing every week and playing in a team winning the Scottish Cup, you can’t underestimate how good it feels to do that.
‘The manager has been as good as his word. He told me at the start of the season he would give me my chance and it was all about taking it.
‘That’s all I needed, that faith and someone to give me that chance. My deal takes me to next summer, so I’m hoping to speak to the club again soon enough.
‘We wanted to get the Final out the way, then we’ll have another chat and see where we stand.
‘ It’s looking like being an extension, that’s what the talks will be around. I want more of the same. There’s a lot to look forward to, 100 per cent, and being in Europe is just another bonus.
‘I love the club. I’ve been here a long time and have a lot of time for the people here and owe a few of them, too.’