(Photo by Sammy Turner/SNS Group via Getty Images)
When you look at Sunday’s Betfred Cup Final between St Johnstone and Livingston, thoughts turn towards the players that can make a significant impact on the game at Hampden Park.
The kind of players that could have a big say in the destination of the trophy, if it goes to Perth or the Tony Macaroni Arena.
One player who seems likely to have an impact on the game is St Johnstone’s Ali McCann. The21-year-old has been in excellent form for the Saints this season.
Ali McCann in action for St Johnstone against Celtic (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
So well has he performed, that it was reported earlier in the season that Celtic had been scouting the player (The Courier).
Thankfully for the Saints, McCann is still at the club, and he will have an important role at Hampden Park. He will be tasked with helping Callum Davidson’s side win the battle in the middle of the park.
That is an area of the pitch which could define the cup final. Whoever wins that will have a real chance of lifting the trophy. That is where McCann can be so influential.
Ali McCann celebrates scoring for St Johnstone (Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Should he help St Johnstone win the midfield battle, then he could end up with a winner’s medal when all is said and done.
No doubt any clubs interested in signing McCann will be watching his performance against Livingston closely. It would not be a shock if clubs made a move for the player in the summer transfer window. However, that is something for St Johnstone to deal with in the future.
In the present though, it is all about the cup final, and McCann will be a key man for the Saints.