Zander Clark insists St Johnstone survival would match cup heroics as he opens up whirlwind 12 months

One year ago Zander Clark was preparing himself for a moment he was certain would never be matched - never mind topped.

The St Johnstone goalkeeper was wrong. It would prove his only wrong call in a three-month spell which took him to the peak of footballing ecstasy.

Sunday marks the anniversary of Saints’ Betfred Cup Final triumph over Livingston which began a journey to cup double dreamland and rubbing shoulders with European giants before ending with the entire club being granted the freedom of Perth only this month.

It’s as close as Scottish football has got to a real-life fairytale and Clark is adamant nothing will ever match the elation of that party that followed the securing of the Scottish Cu p three months after the Bretfred trophy.

But while the euphoria might never be matched, the big keeper is well aware the value of the double success might well be topped just a year on from the Hampden high.

Not matched in silverware. But in the weight of importance.

Twelve months on from the start of a dream and Callum Davidson ’s side are in a dogfight. Scrapping to save their top flight status.

They’ll celebrate the anniversary of that League Cup winning weekend with a pressure pot Premiership survival clash away to third bottom Ross County.

Clark is adamant that emerging victorious from this battle in May will be every bit is big for the club as landing two Hampden blows last season.

He said: “Personally I don’t think anything will come close to the emotional high of last season. But for the club the next few months are every bit as important.

“It’s kind of hard to get your head round the last year since the Betfred Cup Final.

“After that day I remember thinking 'nothing will ever come close to this'.

“Then two