TONY WATT, the St Johnstone striker, came back to haunt his former boss Neil Lennon as the Perth outfit played out a gripping 1-1 draw against Hibernian.
Watt, 24, was handed his Celtic bow by the Northern Irishman back in 2012, famously going on to net the winning goal in a 2-1 triumph over Barcelona in the Champions League.
As has been well documented, things have not gone quite to plan in the intervening six years – representing seven different clubs in that time – but Watt looks a figure determined to make his mark at St Johnstone.
It was his speculative drive that broke the deadlock, via a huge deflection off the unfortunate Ryan Porteous.
Without a win at McDiarmid Park since 2013, the Hibees could have been forgiven for fearing the worst on a dreich afternoon, but Oli Shaw’s third goal of the season assured a share of the spoils.
“That's what Tony Watt does well – you won't need to ask him if he's going to shoot or not,” said St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright.
“He will shoot on sight. It was a decent strike, whether it was deflected or not, and I'm pleased for him to get his first league goal and a good point for us.
“Hibs are a quality team – you just have to look at the players they are able to bring on – and we matched them, particularly in the second half."
Jamie Maclaren was agonisingly close to claiming his maiden goal since returning to Hibs on a season-long loan from Darmstadt when he latched onto a fine Martin Boyle delivery, only to see his shot blocked on the line. Lewis Stevenson, in nose-bleed territory, shot off target from the rebound.
However, it was the Saints who claimed the lead when Watt took advantage of some ponderous play from Stevie Mallan to sharply steal possession and lash a powerful drive beyond Ross Laidlaw, with the help of a ricochet against Porteous.
Although there is justified excitement regarding Kamberi and Maclaren reprising their potent partnership, Shaw produced a timely reminder of his own potential by heading home an inviting Boyle delivery to restore parity.
Neither side can be accused of settling for the point, with a Stevenson thunderbolt from 30 yards skipping narrowly wide and Watt fizzing an effort off target from the edge of the box.
And there was late controversy when Willie Collum waved away claims for a penalty for a perceived handball by Porteous, irking Wright.
“When you see what handballs are given for in terms of penalties, that has to be given,” rued the Wright. “The ball has hit Porteous’ arm and I can't see why it wouldn't have been given - but obviously Willie [Collum] must have missed it.”
Hibs head coach Neil Lennon added: "We are unbeaten in seven games since the start of the season and I've got to be pleased at that. I'm disappointed we haven't won the game so maybe that is an indication on how far we have come.”
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