O'Halloran wants repeat success

O'Halloran established himself in the Saints first team, following his January move from Bolton, in time to start the final against Dundee United in May.

The former Scotland Under-21 international helped the club to their first major trophy success and fully basked in the accompanying glory.

And the 23-year-old is aiming high again as Saints begin the defence of their crown with a home fourth-round tie against Ross County on Saturday.

O'Halloran said: "It was definitely the best moment of my life. Last season was brilliant and it was a great way to end it by winning the cup.

"It was a bit surreal at first but we went back to Perth on the open-topped bus the next day with all the fans coming out.

"I think it was the Monday that I got a chance to watch the game back, and that was just incredible watching the game back with my family. It was such a great day."

O'Halloran scored as Tommy Wright's men beat County 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership last weekend but he knows the visitors will have an added incentive on Saturday.

"I think we will be under a bit of pressure, teams will be looking to knock out the holders," he said.

"But the way the ties have come about, with the top 14 teams drawn against each other, if we can get through this tie then it's another great chance to progress and go as far as we can.

"It would be some achievement for a club like St Johnstone to retain the Scottish Cup.

"We know we have a chance to make even more history, but we have to take one game at a time and Ross County will be a tough ask."