| Back in November 2006, he netted two cracking strikes as Saints sent Rangers spinning out of the CIS Cup at Ibrox to set up a Tynecastle semi-final against Hibs which the Perth club lost, despite putting in a superb effort.
It wasn’t long after that Rangers game, though, that Steven experienced the down side of the game, being kept out for months due to a serious knee injury which required surgery.
“These two goals against Rangers were good ones and that match was undoubtedly the highlight of my career so far,” said Steven as he savoured the prospect of another cup-tie against the Ibrox men, the live televised Scottish Cup encounter at McDiarmid Park this Tuesday evening.
“It was unfortunate that I missed that CIS semi, but I had an operation two days before it — so there was absolutely no chance of me playing in that game,” Steven recalled.
There have been significant changes at both clubs since that November night at Ibrox.
For a start, both have new faces at their respective helms — for very different reasons.
Owen Coyle’s departure from Saints to try his luck in the English Championship with Burnley came about because the English side were impressed with what he had done at Saints.
And he hasn’t disappointed as the Clarets currently lie in fifth spot in the Championship and have enjoyed an impressive Carling Cup run to the semis this season.
On the other hand, the departure of Paul Le Guen from Ibrox was of an ignominious nature, given his poor record.
And while Walter Smith has settled back into the groove for his second spell as Rangers team boss, another man with an Ibrox pedigree, Derek McInnes, has marched St Johnstone five points clear at the top of the First Division.
Steven is “looking forward” to another crack at Rangers and firmly believes Saints can provide the Ibrox club with more problems.
The Perth side may be top of the pile in the First Division, but Steven knows the current Rangers outfit will prove a far more daunting prospect than the Ibrox side he lined up against on that never to be forgotten night in November, 2006.
“There’s no doubt it’s a tough game,” he said. “However, it represents a good test and a great chance for us to show again what we can do.
“Hopefully, we’ll shock them once more — and it would be excellent if I can score again.
“It was very pleasing to get Saints goals that night at Ibrox. I have happy memories of that evening. Hopefully, I’ll have more from this Tuesday.” |
