St Johnstone legend Alan Mannus is showing no signs of letting his standards drop in his 40s, after a weekend penalty save saw the 2014 Scottish Cup-winner break a near 30-year-old record.
At 40 years and 85 days, Mannus became the oldest goalie to keep out a spot-kick in Ireland’s top league since Cork City’s Alec Ludzic (at 43 years and 43 days) denied Pat Fenlon back in February, 1993.
The former Northern Ireland international’s save from Will Patching earned Shamrock Rovers a precious point against Derry City, keeping his team four points clear at the summit of the Premier Division table.
Mannus didn’t appear to appreciate Patching’s pause in his run-up before he sent his shot low to the keeper’s left – and the ex-Saint let him know about it after.
🧤 l Alan Mannus made a crucial save to deny Will Patching from the penalty spot last night…
A big moment in the game that helped earn a valuable point on the road 👏 pic.twitter.com/ALucY1NPDc
— Shamrock Rovers FC ☘️ (@ShamrockRovers) August 13, 2022
In his seven years in Perth, Mannus saved four regulation penalties.
But his most famous one was in a Europa League qualifier against Luzern at McDiarmid Park.
Alan Mannus saves, Dave Mackay scores as we beat FC Luzern 5-4 on penalties under the McDiarmid lights…what a night! pic.twitter.com/ZETqMuPVBX
— St Johnstone Fans (@StJohnstoneFans) November 30, 2016
Mannus left Saints in 2018 and has won several trophies with Rovers since then.
Fans have been describing him as the best goalkeeper they have seen at Tallaght Stadium and are hoping that he decides to keep playing for at least another season.
I've seen quite a few Rovers keepers…..Alan Mannus is the best I've seen, and we've had some great keepers ☘️
— Mick Conroy (@MickConroy2) August 13, 2022
Ironically, arguably his most celebrated penalty save with Rovers was denying now team-mate, and fellow former Saint, Dan Cleary, in the 2017 FAI Cup final shoot-out.
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