FRAZER WRIGHT CONGRATULATES 'ANDO' AHEAD OF 362ND MATCH

As Steven Anderson look set to break the St. Johnstone club appearance record tomorrow at Tynecastle, ex-Saintee Frazer Wright believes it’s something his former defensive partner will take a lot of pride in achieving.

“It’s brilliant for him. He’s been there for that length of time and for him to eventually break that record speaks volumes of him as a person and as a player. He’s a player who’s very reliable, hard working and honest.”

Steven Anderson, if selected to face Hearts, will break the all-time club appearance record of 361, set by Alan Main in October 2009, a record equaled by ‘Ando’ on Wednesday night in the 1-1 draw with Ross County.

“He will take in his stride and with Ando you don’t get much emotion! But when he breaks the record I’m sure he’ll crack a smile and inside will be immensely proud and happy to reach that number.

“He’s been consistent through out his Saints career and to reach 362 games is thoroughly deserved. He’ll smash the record and I’m sure he’ll get many more.”

Together, Anderson and Wright were the defensive rock of a side that achieved top 6 finishes in four consecutive seasons, with the pinnacle of their success being the Scottish Cup triumph in 2014.

“He’s someone I got on really well with when I was at the club, we would always talk to each other and have a good laugh. I think what made us so successful is that we were quite similar and knew how to deal with each other. If either of us gave the other stick, we’d have a smile then get on with it and that was that.

“We weren’t the best ball playing centre backs, but we had a determination not to lose goals. When we did we weren’t happy and let other people know about it! We tried our hardest to keep as many clean sheets as we could.”

The two defenders, of course, played alongside each other in the Scottish Cup final win over Dundee United in 2014, and Wright believes Anderson’s goal on the stroke of half time was crucial to Saints lifting the trophy.

“I remember we went up for that corner and I’ve made a run to the front post, but the ball went over the top of me. I just remember turning round and seeing the goalkeeper miss it and then Ando popping up to head it in to score.

“When the ball went it, it was a surreal moment, a really strange one to describe. There were just all these different emotions running through your body.

“But to score at that time was huge psychologically. I think up to that point they had hit the post and were on top after a good twenty-minute spell in the match, so getting that goal before the half time whistle really lifted the boys.

“For Ando to score that goal to help us lift the Scottish Cup, which also marked ten years at the club, topped off a great year and made him even more of a leg-end!”

As Saints travel to Edinburgh tomorrow, Frazer’s current side Dumbarton are in Championship action away to Queen of the South. The Sons sit in 8th place, 5 points clear of Livingston in the relegation play off position with 8 matches to play.

“We’ve had a busy time here with a lot of games recently, but have come out of it really well. With two or three wins we should hopefully cement that play off place and be able to enjoy the summer!”