And he immediately endeared himself to the McDiarmid Park faithful with a goal for Saints in their 3-2 First Division defeat at Dundee last Saturday.

And, as he looked forward to tomorrow’s encounter, he said, “It’s great for a First Division club like St Johnstone to get this far.”

He went on, “I know they reached the Scottish Cup and CIS Cup semis last season, and won the Challenge Cup this season, so their recent cup form is very good.

“As well as a European Cup Winners’ Cup medal and FA Cup medal, I also have a European Super Cup medal, so haven’t done too badly in cups myself.

“No matter what cup a team is playing in, these matches are always special. We’re in the quarter-finals and a win will take us nearer to the final.

“The further you get to a final the more of a taste you have for the tournament and this is another great opportunity for St Johnstone to shine in a cup game.”

Although tomorrow’s match will be Jody’s first at McDiarmid, he knows a fair bit about the Perth Saints.

“I’m friendly with the gaffer, Derek McInnes. We played together at Millwall and have kept in touch.

“I also know Felipe Morais, now at Hibs who was with St Johnstone for a spell last season, as he was also at Millwall. And I’ve kept in touch with Peter MacDonald since meeting him at a charity dinner.

“So I was keeping an eye on St Johnstone’s results before I had the chance to sign and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow. The lads are all buzzing and the game has all the makings of being a super occasion.”

Apart from their long term absentees, St Johnstone have no other injury concerns.