Zander Clark takes cheeky dig at 'typical' strikers after goalkeeper heroics v Rangers in St Johnstone's Scottish Cup quarter-final win

St Johnstone goalkeeper and goal hero Zander Clark laughed off his “devastation” at not scoring against Rangers as his side booked a return to Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-final.

Zander Clark celebrates after scoring to make it 1-1 during a Scottish Cup match between Rangers and St Johnstone at Ibrox Stadium on April 25, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

The goalkeeper’s double save in the penalty shoot-out contributed to eliminating tournament favourites Rangers from the competition – but only after he had headed what he thought was the equaliser in the last second of extra-time to force the spot-kicks.

TV pictures showed substitute Chris Kane had the final touch that sparked wild celebrations from Clark and his team-mates from Perth.

The goalkeeper explained the thinking behind his late tactical switch from stopper to striker and laughed: “ There have been so many times this season I’ve thought about going up and the bench have said no. But I thought tonight, it’s all or nothing and got myself up but typical striker Kano toe-pokes it in on the line – and I’m devastated not to score!

Zander Clark celebrates with St Johnstone team-mates at Ibrox (Photo by Rob Casey / SNS Group)

“I think it was what we deserved, we were excellent in everything we did.”

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Clark though insists he will still claim the bragging rights for finding the net and helping the Saints on their quest for a cup double to add to their Betfred Cup won earlier this season.

“I have had it against me many times and you’re just screaming for them to be picked up, but everyone has a man.

"Ginge [Liam Craig] puts a great ball in and I glance it – and you know what, I’m taking it, I don’t care if he tapped it in!”

St Johnstone and Rangers had played out a scoreless draw, where Rangers hit the post with an Alfredo Morelos header in the second half, but nothing could separate the sides.

That changed late in extra-time when captain James Tavernier headed in Joe Aribo’s cross to send Rangers ahead only for Clark’s heroics to haul back the tie and send the game to penalties.

Clark told Premier Sports: “A penalty shoot-out is a lottery – who can keep their cool and score the most. It’s up to the goalkeepers to help the boys and save a couple and I’ve done it.

“At the start of the season you want a cup run – hopefully after winning the first one we can give ourselves a chance to qualify for another final.”

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