Steven MacLean joined Paul Wright as St Johnstone’s leading top-flight goalscorer at the weekend.
And, even though the former Rangers and Aberdeen man is now in the veteran stage of his career, his influence on the Perth side is showing no sign of diminishing according to his manager.
MacLean reached 39 Premiership goals with a top quality finish against Motherwell and boss Tommy Wright believes only injury has stopped the forward, who is a few days away from his 35th birthday, from racing past a club record set over 20 years ago.
“It has been overlooked because of what happened in the game but MacLean’s finish is incredible,” Wright said.
“His back was to goal and he showed a great touch, awareness and composure to get the ball in the net. It was well worked by Stefan (Scougall). We didn’t just lump it into the box.
“What a player Macca has been for us. And but for injuries he would have been way past the record long ago.
“Most people recognise he is one of the best link-up strikers in the league and he still has a great appetite for the game. Macca is a leader on and off the pitch for us.”
Meanwhile, Wright has backed MacLean’s former strike-partner, Stevie May, to be a success with Aberdeen.
“It’s great to see him back playing even I would have preferred he hadn’t come back to Scotland,” he said. “Obviously a player of Stevie’s quality strengthens Aberdeen.
“He has been unfortunate with his injury. It was a nasty one but it was just bad luck. As with most players when they get injured it’s not down to neglect or being a bad professional.
“At our place he hardly ever picked up an injury. But these things happen in our sport and it was a serious one for Stevie. But he has been strong and shown the character to keep going.
“I have been on the end of it in my own playing days and there are dark days. But he will have had good support and it is great to see him come through it and get back playing.
“Stevie did incredibly well for me and for the club. The fans know that and you can never take away what he did for St Johnstone when he was here.
“For a season and a bit he was incredible here, helping us to win the Scottish Cup.”
