Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton was the hero of the hour as he netted the eventual stunning winner in St Johnstone’s 2-1 Scottish Cup victory over St Mirren at Hampden.
The Ibrox talent – who joined the Perthshire club on a short-term deal in January – curled in a wonderful free-kick with 15 minutes to go to secure the victory for Saints.
Middleton’s telling contribution to the match also comes after he started the tie on the bench, something which particularly frustrated the young Gers kid.
“A lot of the boys missed out through coronavirus so it’s massive for them and we pulled together really well as a squad and we knew we had to do that to make everyone proud,” said Middleton [Daily Record].
“When the team is named and you get to the ground and you’re not starting you are of course naturally disappointed.
“But you know it’s your job to make the difference if you come off the bench and thankfully it went to plan.
“When I get the chance to come on I need to make the most of it and whenever I get the ball I need to be direct and as positive as I can.
“I’ve practiced free kicks quite a lot and it’s nice when it comes off. I had one at Hibs last week which didn’t quite go to plan but this did and I’m delighted.
“I need to make the most of every chance I get on the pitch and that’s about being confident and positive and doing the right things in training every day and hope to catch the manager’s eye and earn his trust.”
The result means St Johnstone will play Hibs in the Final at Hampden with Callum Davidson’s side on the verge of a legendary double having won the League Cup earlier in the year.
For many people, should the ex-Scotland international complete the feat he will pip Steven Gerrard to the Manager of the Year award.
Middleton, 21, is contracted to Rangers until 2023 and has been the subject of much transfer speculation ahead of next season.
The young Ger has impressed with St Johnstone and is reportedly open to the idea of moving to McDiarmid Park fulltime.
