Scottish Cup semi-final disappointment still weighs heavy on St Johnstone minds

St Johnstone's Murray Davidson admits he is desperate to exorcise the demons of last season's Scottish Cup Hampden horror show — starting on Sunday against Hearts.

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Saints travelled to the national stadium to face Motherwell in the semi-final of the competition full of confidence last April. However, their hopes of reaching the final for the first time were blown away, with the Steelmen coasting to a 3-0 victory.

Davidson revealed the Saints players still felt the pain weeks after their exit. Now the McDiarmid Park squad are determined to make amends and be at their Sunday best at Tynecastle.

He said: ''There was such a big build-up to the semi-final with Motherwell last season and, after the way it panned out, everyone at the club was disappointed. Our season went flat after that. We were stuck mid-table, we couldn't get top six and we couldn't get relegated.

''We were sick about it and not just in the dressing room after the game. The feeling lasted for weeks. I kept thinking I could have done this, I could have done that. If only…If you were going to do that after every game you would have a problem, but if we reach the semi-final stage again we have to make sure it doesn't happen this time.

''Saints have had a good cup record in recent years, and hopefully we can put in the sort of performance that leaves us with no regrets.''

Davidson injured his ankle during last weekend's league defeat to Motherwell — but he is hoping to take his place in the side for what is an eagerly-anticipated tie against Hearts.

He said: ''I rolled my ankle in the first half at Motherwell. I got through the second half but, after the game, it had swollen up badly. It has now settled down and I will train on Friday.

''This is a big one on Sunday so I definitely don't want to miss out. These are the games you want to play in.''

The transfer window closed on Tuesday night with Saints' star men Fran Sandaza and Jody Morris still resident at McDiarmid Park.

Davidson admitted retaining the duo, as well as bringing in two loan players Kudus Oyenuga from Spurs and Celtic's James Keatings, was a major coup for the club.

He added: ''It's a massive boost to have kept Fran and Jody. And not just that — the club have brought in two new players as well.

''The manager has kept everyone he wanted and the squad is intact — hopefully we can push on from here and try to have a good season.

''Fran's record is there for everyone to see. He has been excellent, but we have strength in depth up front now with Cillian Sheridan Marcus Haber, Carl Finnigan and the new lads.

''We know that if we can keep it tight at the back, we're always going to be creating chances.''

Taken from The Courier