Anderson still setting sights on top 6 finish

St Johnstone defender Steven Anderson is not giving up hope of a top six finish.

But the experienced centre-back insists the Perth side must win their remaining four pre-split fixtures to achieve that.

Saints sit six points behind sixth-place Hearts with a game in hand following Saturday’s victory against rivals Dundee.

Anderson said:“Everyone keeps going on about this tough season that we are having.

“It’s ridiculous. I don’t know why people think that. We still have a chance of top six.

“The budgets are massive and we haven’t had the biggest one.

“It’s because we have been over-achieving and people forget that. We’re expected to get top six every year.

“But this is a changing squad and it takes time. Expectations are high but people need to be realistic.

“We have a game in hand over Hearts and we need to hope results go our way.

“We need to go undefeated before the split and I think we have a chance of doing that.”

The manner of Saturday’s 4-0 victory at Dens Park was pleasing for Anderson as the squad now prepare for Hibernian on Friday.

“It was a good performance,” he said.“They made errors and we capitalised and managed to get the clean sheet.

“It sets the standard but there have been other games where I think we have played better, like Celtic away twice.

“It’s on us now to kick on and we will expect a hard game against Hibs. They are a very good team and have signed quality players.”