Dunfermline Athletic stopper Paul Gallacher tipped for Scotland call-up after SPL heroics

Penalty hero Paul Gallacher could force his way back into the Scotland squad, according to Dunfermline team-mate Andy Kirk.

Gallacher saved from the spot for the second time this season, against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Saturday.

The score was 1-0 to the Pars and Jim McIntyre’s 10 men held on for their first win in the SPL.

The former Dundee United keeper, who turns 32 on Tuesday, also denied St Mirren in the opening match of the season.

John Potter conceded both penalties, and on Saturday his trip on Saints striker Fran Sandaza earned him a red card.

Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor are Scotland’s keepers but becoming third is a realistic aim for Gallacher, who already has seven caps, according to Northern Irishman Kirk.

He said, “You’ve got to look at his performances over the last few years and say he’s right up there. Gall’s a great keeper. He certainly saves us more than he lets us down.

“I had a feeling he would save the penalty when Liam Craig went up to hit it. He has all the attributes of a top keeper.”