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Perthshire Advertiser

Connor McLennan delighted St Johnstone's attacking intent paid off with dramatic comeback win

Connor McLennan highlighted St Johnstone’s strength in depth quality following Saturday’s dramatic comeback victory in the Highlands.

The 23-year-old was one of three Perth subs who helped flip the script and turn the threat of defeat into a pleasing victory against Ross County.

Ali Crawford’s quick-fire double after home defender Jack Baldwin’s straight red card has hoisted Saints to fifth in the Scottish Premiership and just one point off third place.

McLennan, who is on loan from Aberdeen, enjoyed the celebratory scenes with the 398 supporters in the away end.

He said: “It was a really tough game as we knew it would be.

“Obviously the sending off has changed it and we’ve made a few subs which impacted the game.

“I’m just buzzing to get a win for those travelling fans because it is a long way to come.

“That is what you play for, trying to get the three points and seeing the reaction of the fans at the end was brilliant.

“All you can do coming off the bench is to try and make an impact on the game.

“I think the subs did that on Saturday and it showed the strength in depth the manager has brought to the club.

“We had such a strong bench and we still have a few to come back from injury and suspension.

“We’ve got a lot of new players but we still have some who have been at the club for a long time. They have made it feel like home.”

McLennan was quick to have a run at the Ross County defence and ensured Saints used their man advantage wisely. When the leveller went in, it remained full speed ahead in a bid to grab the winner.

“I went over to wing-back and Drey (Wright) went to centre-back,” McLennan laughed. “That shows how attacking we were and it paid off in the end.

“And we know Ali (Crawford) has that composure and that he can finish brilliantly.”

Clinching victory in their first game back after the World Cup maintained Saints’ impressive run of form.

They are now six matches unbeaten and head through to Glasgow on Saturday to test themselves against Celtic.

McLennan knows there is plenty of positive momentum flowing through the Perth camp to give it a real go.

He said: “The manager reiterated before Ross County that we’d been on a good run and we knew it ourselves.

“It was a long wait during the break and we couldn’t wait to get back. This is a good way to start again.

“I think it is going to be pretty hectic from here so we want a bit of momentum behind us. We got some more on Saturday and now let’s carry it into the next game.

“We go into every game with the mindset of trying to win it, whatever it takes. We’ll try the same against Celtic. It will be tough because they’ve been good this season, but we’ll see what happens.”

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