Peaso hits landmark

Mar 21 2008

PETER MacDONALD is relishing the prospect of another Scottish Cup semi-final.

And his landmark 50th goal for St Johnstone helped pave the way to another visit to the National Stadium.

The striker, who has overcome a series of crippling injuries since making the switch from Rangers seven years ago, is now enjoying the rewards for his hard graft.

And with manager Derek McInnes keen to keep him at Perth, MacDonald yesterday hinted that his future lies at McDiarmid Park, saying: “I’d have got to the 50 mark long ago if it hadn’t been for the injuries. But there’s years left in me and hopefully I can double that tally.”

MacDonald hopes his impressive scoring record continues this weekend against Partick Thistle, in what could yet be a semi-final dress rehearsal.

It was only after the stunning midweek replay win over St Mirren that the striker realised he’d reached a career milestone with a vital strike, steering Saints into a historic Scottish Cup semi-final, hard on the heels of last year’s clash with Celtic.

“It’s good to reach the half-century of goals and it was one of my more valuable ones. It was a good way to celebrate. But to be honest you can’t beat a tap-in. That’s the best buzz of the lot. They don’t come along too often.

“I’m really happy with things just now. I played a part in every game last season and my fitness is as good as it has ever been. When I caught the goals on telly I realised just how good they were. Every one was a great finish and hopefully there will be a few more important goals to come.

“But I knew were capable of going to Paisley and winning. We were unlucky not to win the first time round. I knew we would win. We were just so up for it in the dressing room.

“But going three up inside half an hour – you couldn’t ask for more. If it had gone to 4-0 it wouldn’t have been an injustice.”

MacDonald has been telling those who missed last season’s build-up to the semi-final they’re in for a treat. And he isn’t bothered when it is.

“Half the guys weren’t here or didn’t play for one reason or another. It was brilliant last season. The Celtic game was my first Scottish Cup semi-final and we really gave them problems. It was special playing at Hampden in front of a huge crowd.

“Any delay in the date will give injured players a chance to come back into contention. That should work in our favour. But if you are doing the biz you should retain your place. I’m up front again and that’s my preferred position. I feel more comfortable there, rather than on the left.

“We have great natural movement up front and filling-in and covering back for each other comes naturally. We’ve been playing well with the current formation. Our movement has been killing teams.

“We’re looking forward to the semi-final and it doesn’t matter whether it’s Rangers or Partick. It was a total surprise Thistle getting a draw at Ibrox. But we know we’ll have it tough at Firhill. It could be a mudbath.

“I reckon I’ve scored about 20 per cent of my goals against Partick but we were lucky to escape with a draw last time. We’ll have to be up for it.”