JAMIE MCCART has been a standout for St Johnstone this season alongside Liam Gordon and Jason Kerr. 

The trio of defenders have been consistent across the campaign and have already helped Saints to a first League Cup trophy in their history. 

Attention now turns to the Scottish Cup and ahead of a semi-final against St Mirren this weekend, McCart has told how he and his defensive teammates have improved under the leadership of Callum Davidson. 

He said: “I think probably my maturity and my decision making as a defender [has improved]. In my younger days coming through at Celtic it was all playing out from the back and maybe I made too many mistakes. 

“I think that is something I have completely eradicated from my game which is pleasing for me. I think it just comes with playing time and experience, so it has been good. 

“As a whole we have got used to how each other play with our different styles. I only joined in the January window but we hadn’t played with three all that often under Tommy Wright. 

“In terms of that it was just a case of getting more used to each other and seeing how we could benefit the team through different styles.” 

The Perth outfit head to Hampden this weekend having already won twice at the national stadium this campaign. 

Davidson’s side defeated Hibernian 3-0 in the League Cup semi-final before edging past Livingston 1-0 in the final of the tournament. 

McCart admits these two results have given the McDiarmid Park squad great confidence going into the final stages of the Scottish Cup. 

He continued: “I think our organisation and our hard work has been important. In the semi-final against Hibs we rode a storm against Hibs. In the first half hour we were really under the cosh, but we rode that out. 

“After that we went from strength to strength. Then when you are playing Livingston it is always a tough game and you always have to be at it. 

“I think everyone to a man has been working hard and I think that has shown in our organisation. Teams have been struggling to break us down. 

“There has been belief there all season but maybe just the wee moments have gone against us. We have all shown character and resilience. At Rangers they scored with five minutes to go and it was deflating to be honest. 

“But we just kept going until the last minute and nobody could have foreseen the big 6ft 5in goalie coming up and heading towards goal. 

“I think that just shows we never give up and when you show that resilience and character you get those wee bits of luck.” 

The winners of the Scottish Cup this season are guaranteed European football until at least December and the winning side will also land a windfall of at least £3million. 

McCart would love to add the Europa League or Uefa Conference League to his footballing CV and the potential financial impact for Saints is just another added incentive. 

He added: “It would be incredible for the club especially from a financial point of view. It would be massive especially during these times. 

“First and foremost, you think let’s win the Scottish Cup but then you realise you have that incentive of European football for a while, it is even better. 

“We just have to get through this game on Sunday, it will be a really tough game. If we get through that we can start dreaming maybe. 

“My history on Scottish football is not the best but I can’t remember too many other teams outside the Old Firm doing a cup double. 

“The way the season has gone out with football it would be incredible for the club and the support to have hopefully a top five finish and a cup double. We need to see how it goes.”