Danny’s blasts from the past

Jun 13 2008 by Gordon Bannerman

Danny’s blasts from the past

DANNY Griffin mischievously recalls he was the first St Johnstone player to score in a national cup final.

It was an own goal as Saints lost out to Stranraer in the 1996 Challenge Cup, in a season when they stormed to the First Division championship under Paul Sturrock and John Blackley!

And that sense of humour has been a vital piece of the Irishman’s armoury since his Perth debut against Clydebank 13 years ago.

It’s seen the locally-based family man through some dark days, with his latest serious injury wrecking plans to make an immediate impact at Ross County within hours of sealing a switch from Dundee back in January.

Griffin, capped 29 times for his country, had departed Dens Park to carve out a fresh chapter in his career.

Yesterday, he recalled: “I signed for County at 9.30am and went out for a training session to prepare for the cup tie with Cove Rangers. It was a fresh start and I was on a high. But before noon I was seeing a doctor and being told I had snapped my Achilles.

“I’d done my left one when I was at Stockport and had to be stretchered off. This time I was hobbling going into the hospital and hoped it might be my calf. Instead, I was on crutches for eight weeks and tackling another rehab.”

Griffin admits many clubs would have cut him loose. But the Staggies stood by him and he was given a deal through to December weeks before the end of a campaign which culminated in the title and promotion to Division One.

And now he has his sights set on a return to action against his first club, St Johnstone, on July 26, with the Perth side making for the Highlands in defence of their Challenge Cup.

“I think the title could be between Saints and Dundee but this is the Second Division title winners against one of the favourites. It’s ironic my first game for County after all these months could be against Saints. But it can’t come soon enough for me.”

Even after signing for Dundee – and having a previous spell with Dundee United – Griffin could be spotted at Saints games, with wife Kirsty a lifelong fan and father-in-law Ally a former director.

“It didn’t work out for me at Dundee and while I’ve always had a soft spot for Saints and Kirsty was a Saints season ticket holder, I wanted to play football and put food on the table. I knew all about the rivalry from my years with St Johnstone so there was bound to be a bit of stick.

“I don’t believe I got a chance at Dens, where I was signed to play centre midfield. That’s why I was looking forward to getting going again at Ross County.

“They have been absolutely first-class with me and the family. I can’t thank them enough. County might have cut me adrift but now I’m determined to reward them for their loyalty.

“Instead of being on a big pile of footballers looking for clubs over the summer I’m ready for pre-season. I have a job on my hands to prove I was worth the wait.”

Griffin - now 30 - is still remembered fondly for his service in a Saints strip, having broken into the first team as a teenager.

He said: “I have some great memories from my time with Saints but that own goal against Stranraer still stands out! I remember Paul Sturrock asking me at half-time why I did it, as if it was deliberate!

“Until Nick Dasovic scored against Rangers in the League Cup final fans were forever telling me I was the only Saints player to get a goal in a national final!”