Stephen Craigan has heaped praise on Rangers loanee Glenn Middleton after the winger struck a terrific free-kick winner against St Mirren at Hampden.

The attacker swept an outstanding set-piece past Jak Alnwick to help St Johnstone into the Scottish Cup final - their second showpiece finale of the season after they won the Betfred Cup back in February.

Chris Kane had earlier opened the scoring but less than two minutes later Middleton struck and Craigan applauded the strike, insisting he had repaid Saints boss Callum Davidson's faith.

Speaking on commentary for Premier Sports during the semi-final, Craigan gushed: "Oh my word," he said. "That is absolutely sensational.

"The pace on the ball, the movement, the dip, it’s absolutely top class. Glenn Middleton, what an impact sub, that’s the way to repay the faith in your manager."

Middleton, 21, has starred 10 times this season during his McDiarmid Park loan, scoring three goals.