Liam Gordon lavished match-winning team-mate Callum Hendry with praise — and was relieved his role in pile on celebrations didn’t lead to any cracked ribs!
The St Johnstone skipper hauled the forward to the ground moments after the 91st-minute wonder goal had clinched a dramatic three points at McDiarmid Park.
Others soon joined in the fun and a delighted Hendry was buried under a number of jubilant Perth players.
“I think it’s the fastest I’ve moved all season when running to celebrate with him,” Gordon laughed.
“I was the first person to pull him down. I then felt people jumping on my back. I was getting worried and thought we better not crack his ribs here – we need him for the rest of the season!”
Hendry, who had netted a leveller in the first half, sent the stoppage time left-footed clincher flying over the head of goalkeeper Liam Kelly.
Gordon added: “I think everyone has seen the ability Callum has got and how good he has been since he returned to the club.
“It was just a phenomenal strike and I’ve not seen a goal like that in a long time at McDiarmid Park.
“Jacob Butterfield played a great ball over the top and it asked questions of their defence.
“At that time I’m probably thinking Callum is going to get the ball under control and take the player on one-v-one.
“But as soon as it leaves his boot, I knew where it was going. What a feeling.
“To cap the game off with a goal of that level and ability was just incredible.
“I’ve not had a feeling like that since last season. There was a feeling of relief too.
“It was brilliant to see the buzz around the place when the goal went in and then when the final whistle went.
“The players and fans were connecting and it was really special.”
Gordon made sure to turn the spotlight on Hendry’s all-round game and not just his late heroics. “It’s not just about Callum because everyone put in a shift,” he said. “You need to stand up and be counted.
“But Callum has been a revelation since he’s come back with the goals he’s scored and the performances.
“I’m delighted to have him back. As a defender, it’s a great feeling having someone up there like that. He has been absolutely first class.”
He added: “It was a nice one for the manager too. I’m delighted we were able to get the three points for him.
“It’s the least we could do for all the hard work he does for us.”
Saints are without a game this weekend due to the international break but Gordon is hungry for more action.
“We need that fighting spirit in the next home game,” he insisted. “We aren’t getting carried away.
“We’re starting to get the levels back from what you expect of a St Johnstone team.”
“It’s a change from the first half of the season.”
