He might not have a moustache or a pony-tail but Alan Mannus has more important David Seaman-esque attributes, in Callum Davidson’s opinion.
When mentioning the St Johnstone keeper in the same breath as one of England’s best ever, Davidson was highlighting the no-frills approach of the Northern Irishman.
Never was that more evident than in Paisley on Saturday when Mannus defied filthy conditions and a fired-up home team to gain his clean-sheet.
“Alan reminds me of a keeper like David Seaman,” Davidson observed. “He always does his job.
“Seaman wasn’t one for the spectacular saves but he was a top goalie. I wouldn’t directly compare them but Alan is in that mould.
“He’s reliable, not flash or one for being eccentric. He does his job and defenders know what he is all about.
“Alan can be vocal as well. I would certainly hear him when I played with him.”
The three points were the priority, but Davidson admitted that keeping St Mirren out will give Saints a psychological boost.
He said: “Getting a clean sheet was important for us. We were disappointed to concede in the games against Ross County.
“It is something as a goalie and defender you strive for. Confidence grows with clean sheets but that comes from the whole team, not just the back four.
“We have quite an attacking team at the moment so the front and wide men have to defend properly as well.
“That make the defenders’ jobs much easier.”
If Mannus is one unsung hero of the Saints team, Simon Lappin is fast becoming another.
He’s certainly got a fan in Davidson.
The assistant boss explained: “It was another good game for Simon and he is getting stronger.
“He is unbelievable at training. You would take 12 guys like him any day in terms of attitude and technical ability. He will want to do better but he always wants to be on the ball. He and Faddy give us creativity.
“They have been wide men but probably prefer playing in a more central role.
“Simon links well with Brian Easton and Michael O’Halloran and gives Brian a bit of protection as well. And it lets Michael drift and play and he’s popping in the goals.”
James McFadden was unimpressed when he was substituted in the second half as the Saints management team decided to bring on another midfielder (Murray Davidson).
But that didn’t bother Callum Davidson. The exact opposite, infact.
He pointed out: “The substitutions were tactical. We just felt we were under a bit of pressure late in the game, similar to the last couple of matches.
“Faddy didn’t want to come off, which is great. We don’t mind that. I played with many a player who moaned when he was taken off.
“He realises it was all to get the win. It wasn’t down to him tiring. He looked strong, he looked fit which was pleasing, but we brought on Murray to stiffen things up like he did the previous week against Ross County.
“We put David Wotherspoon in the hole on Isaac Osbourne and stopped a lot of their pressure after that.
“We were reasonably comfortable late on. The boys at the back and Alan Mannus had weathered the storm but we just wanted a bit more control of the game.”