Zander Clark taking inspiration from Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor

The St Johnstone keeper says the duo set an example for continual improvement.

Anthony Brown, PA

10th Dec 2021

St Johnstone goalkeeper Zander Clark admits the exploits of veteran rivals Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor have inspired him to believe he still has plenty time to take his own game to new heights.

The long-serving Saints stopper turns 30 next summer, but he is a relative youngster compared to Rangers number one McGregor, who is 40 next month, and Hearts and Scotland custodian Gordon, 39 at the end of this month.

Clark, who is viewed as Gordon’s successor in the national team, said: “It’s mad that at 29 you can still say you’re relatively young for a goalkeeper. You look at big Craig, he’s got 10 years on me and he’s still performing at the highest level, producing save after save for club and country.

“It definitely inspires you when you see what guys like Craig and Allan are doing. If you didn’t know their age, you’d probably say they’re in their prime at the minute.

“It gives you something to look up to that these boys are still performing consistently at a high level week in, week out.

“It’s down to me to look after my body and do the right things because these guys are at the top of their game. It’s still another 10 years for me until I get to their age.

“Everybody puts a time on when you’re in your prime and when you’re not, but I feel personally I’m going through a good spell of form at the minute and it’s up to me to keep my performance levels high and see where it goes.”