McGowan challenges his fellow Saints to take responsibility

RYAN MCGOWAN has insisted St Johnstone players will shoulder the responsibility of dragging their season back on track at Pittodrie.

After six games unbeaten and a rise into the top half, Callum Davidson’s side lost three straight over the festive period.

Slow- starting efforts were costly against Hearts, Celtic and Dundee United.

McGowan described their performance in the 1- 0 home loss to United on Monday as ‘ dismal’ and has promised improvement.

He said: “We were miles off it in every department, and I can only apologise for our performance.

“We need to be better, snap into tackles, be hard to play against, pass the ball better, create chances – all the things we had been doing.

“The last couple of weeks we have moved away from that and the results show. We need to make sure we’re back to doing the basics properly and build from there.

“It’s us as players that have to take that responsibility. We are not performing on the pitch, which is making it difficult.

“We’ve shown throughout the season that we’re a match for any side. We know we’re a competitive team, we know we’re a good team, but it’s just marrying those things

together and getting results.”

McGowan hopes Saints can earn a victory for defensive colleague Andrew Considine on his return to Pittodrie. His fellow veteran spent 18 years at Aberdeen before an acrimonious departure in the summer.

Considine was ruled out of the Dundee United game through illness – the first game he’s missed all season since joining Saints on a two- year deal.

“He’s been great for us,” said McGowan. “A very experienced defender, he’s had a wonderful career and he was missed by us on Monday - defensively and organisation- wise.

“He gives you that platform to go and play. I thought defensively we weren’t too bad, they didn’t create too many chances but they scored and won the game.

“Andy did really well for Aberdeen. I hope for his sake he gets a good reception but it will be much better if we get three points and come back down the road with them.

“We’re not too worried about what’s happening up at Aberdeen, we are just focused on ourselves.

“We’re not on a particularly good run. We need to get back to that type of form and win that game and move forward.”