If Zander Clark maintains the form that saw him produce a stunning triple save in midweek a Scotland call-up is “only a matter of time”, according to St Johnstone team-mate Liam Craig.
The Perth keeper’s quick-fire reaction stops broke Ross County hearts when it was penalty box pin-ball at 1-1 on Wednesday night.
And Craig believes Clark’s talent compares favourably with the best in his position in the country.
“Time seemed to stop,” he said. “Before you can react Zander has made some unbelievable saves. It was brilliant from the big man, who has been excellent for us this season.
“You look at who has been in the Scotland squads. Craig Gordon is the obvious one and Allan McGregor and David Marshall have had great careers.
“Young Jack Hamilton got in the squad last season and Zander is definitely on par with these goalkeepers.
“You go back to when he was at Queen of the South. You had Hibs, Hearts and Rangers in what was a tough league.
“He was excellent for them when they got into the play-offs.
“He has been doing it now for three years consistently and is still young. You saw on Wednesday night that he has all the attributes.
“If he keeps progressing the way he is, then there is no reason why he shouldn’t be getting spoken about, if not getting into squads.”
Craig added: “You need to give a lot of credit to Alan Mannus and goalkeeping coach Paul Mathers. Even Mark Hurst, young Ben McKenzie and Ross Sinclair.
“We have four or five really good goalkeepers who push each other on every day.
“You can see it is paying off in games. Zander was called upon more on Wednesday than he was over the last two games – and he was excellent.
“He definitely deserves international recognition – whether that is to be in the squad training or full caps. If he keeps progressing it will only be a matter of time.”
