Having two proven Premiership goalkeepers to choose from is a manager’s dream, not a manager’s nightmare, according to St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright.
Alan Mannus, who Wright believes will be named in the Northern Ireland squad for Euro 2016 later this month, gave way to up-and-coming back-up Zander Clark for the first four games after the split.
The 23-year-old was part of a winning team on each occasion, and pulled off a couple of crucial saves in the home win against Celtic in particular.
Mannus was back between the posts for the final match of the season at Tynecastle and acquitted himself well.
Predicting who will be given the gloves when the new campaign gets underway isn’t easy, but Wright has insisted he wouldn’t have it any other way.
He said: “Zander has proved my point that we have two number one goalies here with his performances towards the end of the season.
“That’s great for the club. It’s any manager’s dream.
“Zander did very well in the games when he came in post-split but let’s not forget that Alan has been outstanding for us over a few seasons.
“I was a keeper myself so I know what goes through their minds.
“I had three years of it at Linfield but managed to get a move from the reserves to Newcastle.
“Alan went through a period of having to playing second fiddle at Linfield and again here when he first came over from Shamrock Rovers.
“It’s a special situation because only one can play, unlike outfield players who can be adaptable.
“We will assess them both in pre-season and whoever is doing best will start the season for us.
“The club is very fortunate to have two keepers of such high quality competing for the jersey.”
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill unveils his squad for the Euros on May 28, the day after a Belfast friendly with Belarus.
