Steven MacLean hails career of former St Johnstone team-mate Chris Millar and shares Scottish Cup memories

St Johnstone manager Steven MacLean has lavished praise on the career of club legend Chris Millar.

The 2014 Scottish Cup-winning star, who had most recently been playing with Troon FC, pulled on the boots for the final time last weekend.

Millar’s consistent performances on the field of play and his personable character off it made him a real fans’ favourite at McDiarmid Park.

He signed for Saints in 2008 and soon helped the Perth club rise into the top tier of Scottish football before enjoying numerous top six finishes, special European adventures and a deserved testimonial year.

Of course, the Scottish Cup final win against Dundee United in 2014 will forever be a special memory for Millar and all those associated with the club.

MacLean, who played alongside Millar in that final and for so many successful years, recalled with a laugh: “He was too hyper before the cup final. I was quite chilled and had to tell him to settle down.

“He was getting messages and was very emotional on the morning of the final.

“I didn’t think he would be able to play! He was welling up. I told him to turn his phone off.”

MacLean feels Millar, who also spent time with Celtic, Morton, East Kilbride and Kilwinning, is deserving of the legendary tag at the Perth club.

“He was probably an under-rated player by people outside of St Johnstone,” MacLean explained to the PA.

“But for his team-mates, the fans, coaches and staff, he wasn’t under-rated. We all knew what his worth was to the squad.

“Midgey did a great job for the team and was a great character too. He is certainly one of the St Johnstone legends and he has had a great career.

“He was some boy - and didn’t lack self-confidence! He was the butt of a lot of the jokes and got absolutely