Having been a cup final hero in Latvia and a recent headline-maker for St Johnstone against Celtic, Daniels Balodis isn’t lacking inspirational memories for Sunday’s Hampden Park clash with Celtic.
The international centre-back has packed a lot of career highlights into the last year.
He kick-started a dramatic comeback for RFS against Auda, played against Harry Kane and an all-star England team at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier.
Then he scored a shock winner for Saints when the champions-elect visited McDiarmid Park earlier this month.
Balodis is a man for the big occasion – and Perth fans will be hoping that trend continues for their semi-final rematch with Brendan Rodgers’ side.
“I scored in the final in Latvia,” he recalled. “And got an assist also.
“It was a huge game. Strong emotions.
“The final we were 2-0 down and I got back with the goal. We went on to win in extra-time.
“So, it was a big emotion for me. It’s something that will always be in my mind, one of the best memories of my career.
“I think it didn’t make just me a hero.
“That team will be remembered for winning the championship, the cup and played in the group stage of the Europa League.
“The whole team was the hero. It was a collective achievement.”
Balodis, Saints’ only fit out-and-out centre-back, added: “The goal was a header from a free-kick, at the back post, and it dropped in.
“It was at our home stadium.
“Playing in the national stadium for St Johnstone is now a big thing for me.”
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