Great character Dimitar Mitov earns "well-deserved" Bulgaria call-up, says St Johnstone boss Steven MacLean

St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has shared his pride and honour after being called up to the Bulgarian senior team for the first time.

Despite results not being what was hoped for, the Perth shot-stopper has been a shining light in the early part of the season.

He has quickly impressed after signing earlier in the summer and has looked assured while pulling off a number of eye-catching saves in both cup and league competition.

Mitov will be in the Bulgaria squad for a friendly against Iran on September 7 and then a Euro 2024 qualifier against Montenegro on September 10.

“Everyone who knows me knows how much this means to me,” Mitov beamed.

“I am incredibly proud and honoured to be able to represent my country.”

Saints boss Steven MacLean has certainly been impressed by how his new goalkeeper has performed in the early part of the 2023/24 campaign.

MacLean said: “We’re delighted for Dimi getting his call up. It’s well deserved.

“He’s been excellent since he joined us and has settled in really quickly.

“He’s shown what a good goalkeeper he is in the games he’s played so far and he’s also been great around the dressing room and club.

“Getting himself noticed by the Bulgaria manager was one of the main reasons he wanted to move up here and join us, so it’s great he’s getting that recognition so soon.

“I’m sure he will go away with them next month and make a real impression during their training camp.”