Stevie May relishing Scottish cup final chance

St Johnstone striker Stevie May hopes his side can come out on top in their William Hill Scottish Cup Final clash with Dundee Utd. Picture: SNS

The 21-year-old has scored 27 goals this season, including the two that booked their Celtic Park date with Dundee United on Saturday, and he knows more than most what a cup final means to Perth given he comes from nearby Newburgh.

But, despite his status as the team’s most likely match-winner, May is handling the expectation.

“To be honest I don’t feel it as pressure,” he said. “It’s just excitement like I couldn’t explain. I can’t wait for the final and the chance to lift that cup.

“We have to balance it between getting ready for it and not over-thinking it. We need to play like we have been doing this season, and play the game instead of the occasion, because that’s what is going to end up being the difference.

“Everyone is in good spirits, we had a couple of days down in Dunkeld bonding, some clay pigeon shooting. It was good fun.”

Saints fans looking for omens have latched on to the “May 17” which adorns the back of their top goalscorer’s shirt but May said: “It’s a nice little coincidence but I don’t think it’s any more than that.

“I wouldn’t put it down to fate - we need to perform regardless of what date the cup final is on.

“We need to perform, hard work, and get a little bit of luck, and hopefully that will be enough for us.”

The Scotland Under-21 international recently declared he would extend his contract beyond the end of next season but that will happen after Saturday.

“This season I have done everything I have wanted and a bit more - playing games, scoring goals and getting the chance to win trophies,” he said.

“At this time I have no reason to go anywhere else. But at this time my sole focus is the cup final. Everything else is put to the back burner.”