O'Reilly drives the Saints sentimental

Ex-Perth kid shocks club where injuries KO'd dreams

- FRASER MACKIE

ST JOHNSTONE veterans rallied round Euan O'Reilly when the talented teen's career hung in the balance.

But there was no sentiment at play as he sentenced Saints to an opening day shocker at Stenny.

Boyhood fan and former Perth prospect O'Reilly struck an early second-half winner past old youth team pal Ross Sinclair.

It came six years to the day he debuted for Tommy Wright in a 3-0 friendly win over Sunderland, with Steven MacLean scoring the first goal.

That wasn't the only time the current St Johnstone boss played a lead role in O'Reilly's eyes.

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Four months after that pre-season appearance, O'Reilly was toiling with groin and pelvic problems that ultimately wrecked his Perth dream.

And Macca and co were a solid support to the young winger.