VIRTUAL MATCHDAY II | Spoony reflects on Luzern tie

Growing up a Saints fan, David Wotherspoon always dreamed of playing for his Club on the European stage.

His first continental match for his boyhood team was against Rosenborg at the beginning of the 2013/14 campaign, the start of what would be a memorable season for all.

And, just a year later, he was once again involved in one of the great European nights at McDiarmid Park.

The 30-year-old midfielder recalled the atmosphere among the home supporters that night in July 2014.

"It was an incredible night," he said.

"I remember going to the Monaco game when I was a youngster and I always wanted to sample that as a player for Saints. Those are the sort of games you want to be involved in when you're a fan.

"All the European nights at McDiarmid I've been involved in had brilliant atmospheres but the Luzern game in particular was pretty special."

Saints managed to come away from the first leg in Switzerland with a 1-1 draw and a vital away goal courtesy of Steven MacLean.

And, after the results against Rosenborg the previous season, Spoony was confident they'd get the job done again and cause another Europa League upset.

"It was a great tie," he said, "and I think in some ways being the underdogs helped us. We'd seen it all before against Rosenborg and we had great belief in ourselves.

"I remember it being absolutely roasting over there for the first leg. I think Easty came off like a lobster! Macca's goal was huge and it set up an exciting 2nd leg at home.

"Mayzo put us 1-0 up and we were in a great position. The away goal rule in European football does make things different though, and when they equalised all of a sudden the pressure is right back on."

David was substituted in the first half of extra-time and had to watch on as his teammates battled all the way to a penalty shootout.

"It was very nerve wracking on the bench watching on," he admitted.

"Now that I was off the pitch there was nothing I could do anymore. I just had to watch on and trust in the boys to get the result.

"Credit to the boys they showed amazing character, particularly after losing to Minsk in a shootout the year before. The penalties were superb, a really high standard."

Tam Scobbie stepped up to net the decisive penalty sending Saints through to the next round which sparked pandemonium in the stands.

It's something Spoony will always remember and something he wants to experience again in his boyhood club's colours.

"It was a great night. I remember the celebrations over in the East Stand and the players running to the supporters.

"The first person I ran over to was big Alan Mannus! I thought he was superb and knowing big Al, he wasn't over celebrating so I thought I'd go and jump on him! He was excellent throughout the two legs.

"The memories will be with us forever but because we've tasted European football on a number of occasions it makes us hungry for more.

"I'd love to see McDiarmid Park full like it was that night again, and have another great European night!"