Cat stands between Saints and the title

May 1 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

KEVIN Cuthbert is counting down to McDiarmid Park’s biggest game in years.

And the one-time Perth keeper finds himself barring St Johnstone’s route to the SPL.

The local man spent 10 years at McDiarmid and veteran rival Alan Main has been hugely influential on his development.

Manager Derek McInnes offered him a contract extension last summer but Cuthbert decided it was time to leave the comfort zone, branch out and make a name for himself. He has enjoyed a fine season at Morton.

Yesterday, he said: “I made my Morton debut against Saints and this is our last away game. A few weeks ago I suspected this might be a huge game for my old club. It was always going to happen. Sometimes fate decides these things.”

He’ll have Perth pals seeking favours but Cuthbert insisted Morton don’t want to find themselves guests at someone else’s party.

“I thought Saints might have had the title wrapped up by now because Partick Thistle have won more games than I was expecting. It’s just a pity Morton got off to such a terrible start or we would have been challengers. Even if we’d beaten Thistle recently this game could have had a lot riding on it for us.

“Saints will see this as their chance to clinch the championship so there will be a big crowd. It might be the biggest I’ve played in front of at McDiarmid. But after all those years, I’ll be in the opposition goal.

“Obviously it’s massive for Saints and their fans while we are looking for a result to boost us for next season. Unfortunately we are playing for third prize.

“But we won’t be under any pressure and we can enjoy ourselves. We are well aware we haven’t beaten Saints this season.”

Cuthbert is glad he made the decision to carve a fresh chapter in his career but he was in touch with mentor Alan Main this week.

“Saints deserve to win the title after being top for so long and it would be great for Alan to make it back to the SPL. They took a massive step towards it by winning in Dundee but they still have to get over the finishing line.

“I’m a Morton player now and I want to help the team win this weekend! But we know St Johnstone and their fans will be up for it – and want it all sewn up on Saturday,” he laughed.