Moustachioed Sheridan completes Ian Rush impression with double

DAVE QUINN at McDIARMID PARK

26 Sep 2011

HIS perfectly groomed moustache evoked memories of a bygone football age, while his goal celebration paid homage to a modern craze.

Yet, Cillian Sheridan's clinical brace suggests he will play a prominent role in a bright future for St Johnstone.

A first home win of the season elevated Derek McInnes' side to joint-fourth in the table beside Hearts, with a game in hand. St Johnstone will make that position their own if they get any sort of result against Hibernian on Wednesday.

At the heart of this accomplished display was Irishman Sheridan, ably assisted by his gifted strike partner Francisco Sandaza. Linking two 6ft-plus forwards does not always work, but the duo complement each other perfectly. Sandaza showed wonderful movement and provided sublime touches, which allowed Sheridan to hover on Hearts' defensive line and twice punish them to break his duck for the season.

Sporting a magnificent moustache that brought back memories of Ian Rush in his pomp, Sheridan – on loan from CSKA Sofia – also heightened his popularity with younger members of the St Johnstone support by 'planking' to celebrate his first goal – an internet phenomenon that involves having one's photograph taken while lying face down in unusual locations.

"I don't know what Cillian's moustache is all about," said Chris Millar, the St Johnstone midfielder. "He must have done it for a laugh, but I said to him afterwards that he will have to keep it now, after scoring two goals.

"It's just Cillian's off-the-wall sense of humour. I don't know if everyone in the stadium realised, but he did a bit of planking too and that all just sums him up.

"Cillian took both goals really well. He took a great touch and finished into the top corner for the first, then showed great composure for the second after a great ball from Fran.

"They are a good partnership. As a team, we work really hard and defend well. But we've added that touch of quality up front. The league position tells its own story. We have really kicked on from beating Celtic a few weeks ago and we are a tough team to play against."

McInnes was elated afterwards. St Johnstone are now unbeaten in five games. The Sheridan/Sandaza partnership is blossoming and defensively they are also sound, with clean sheets in four of their last five league matches.

"There was an element of control to what we did," said the St Johnstone manager. "We restricted Hearts to very few openings and that was important. Hearts are best-equipped to finish third this season, so to beat them was no mean feat.

"We were clinical up front and dogged and resilient throughout the rest of the side. The front two were excellent. Fran has taken a lot of the plaudits and he brings a swagger to the team, but we recognise how hard Cillian is working.

"It's a decent two to work with. Both have pace, both have presence and they can score goals. I'm pleased for Cillian. He's been putting in a shift without getting the rewards, so it's great to see him score."

Marius Zaliukas and Danny Grainger were the only Hearts players to retain their places following the midweek Scottish Communities League Cup defeat by Ayr United, yet this fresh team toiled to create chances.

St Johnstone, though, gradually found a rhythm. Millar's 25-yard drive flew narrowly wide and Jamie McDonald, the Hearts goalkeeper, stuck out a strong palm to save Liam Craig's free kick.

The game needed a spark and Sandaza provided it with an inspired assist for Sheridan's opener. Dave Mackay fed the Spaniard 25 yards out and his cute flick released Sheridan. The Irish striker smashed an emphatic finish high past McDonald.

It should have been 2-0 before half-time. Sheridan won a loose ball in the box and nudged possession to Craig. With the goal at his mercy, the midfielder failed to properly connect with his weaker right foot and the shot bobbled harmlessly wide.

St Johnstone's defensive security allowed them to stay patient and wait for another opening. When it came, they were again clinical. Sandaza's spin and pass split the Hearts defence and Sheridan casually rounded McDonald to score.

Peter Enckelman, the St Johnstone goalkeeper, then earned his win bonus with two instinctive saves from Ryan Stevenson and Mehdi Taouil in quick succession late on.

Paulo Sergio, the Hearts manager, admitted defensive lapses are costing his side dearly. "Our goalkeeper hardly had a save to make but you can't win games if you give goals away like we did," he said. "I am worried about that, because we are giving our opponents confidence and putting ourselves under pressure by making mistakes."

Taken from the Herald