GETTING BACK TO OUR BEST Craig hails the defence

Liam Craig dished out the highest of praise to the St Johnstone defence — by comparing them to the club’s famous old guard.

The experienced midfielder (right) has played alongside the likes of Steven Anderson, Frazer Wright and Dave Mackay during a distinguished Perth career.

And he admitted the performance of the backline in Wednesday’s morale-boosting 1-0 win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie felt like rolling back the years.

Anthony Ralston, Jason Kerr, new signing Jamie McCart and Callum Booth patrolled the Dons’ attack with determination and efficiency.

“We knew it was going to be difficult,” said Craig.

“After getting the goal early on, we really enjoyed defending the rest of the game.

“I’ve been at the club with some out and out defenders like Steven Anderson, Frazer Wright and Dave Mackay. As the second half went on, it felt like playing with them again. “That is in terms of what Jason Kerr and Jamie McCart were doing because it is how we always used to defend. It was brilliant to be a part of that.

“Second half we knew they were going to come at us and they were committing more players forward. Everyone was putting themselves on the line to get three points.

“The biggest thing for us is holding on for the win after the disappointment of losing a late goal on Saturday.”

Craig again gave time to praise goalscorer McCann and expects clubs will soon be hovering around the Perth club’s prized asset.

“He has been excellent and is so grounded as well,” Craig said. “He just takes it in his stride and gets on with his work.

“For boys like myself and Murray Davidson, to see someone like Ali come through the youth system and do so well is brilliant for the club.

“If you are that age and dictating games as well as he is, then clubs are going to take notice. You see how many players are moving down south at a younger age now.

“The club would probably be disappointed if people weren’t

●Full report and reaction inside looking at Ali because he is doing so well. It isn’t easy to come to Aberdeen or play against Hearts, but he is taking it in his stride.

“It’s not easy to find midfielders who score goals, so for us to produce one from the youth team is great to see.

“Whoever Ali chooses to play for, whoever wants him to play for them, because of the person he is nothing will faze him. The big thing for him is that he is grounded.

“You never hear him in the changing room. He just goes about his business. Anything he does go onto achieve, he deserves.”

Perth fans will be hoping the momentum remains for this weekend’s Scottish Cup last 16 tie at Ayr United. Saints are set to be backed by more than 1000 supporters.

“I’ve not had a run in the Scottish Cup for a while and wasn’t here when we won it,” said Craig. “So it would be nice to get a little bit further.”

Club legend Roddy Grant has been reminiscing back to a previous meeting between Saints and Ayr United in the Scottish Cup.