Shaughnessy calls upon Saints to regain their fear factor

Tommy Wright wants a return to the days when the big clubs were sick of the sight of St Johnstone.

And, after being well beaten by Aberdeen, Saints can re-establish those credentials against Rangers tomorrow according to Joe Shaughnessy.

“We know we’re able to do it,” said the Perth captain.

“We’ve just got to get back to what we’re good at.

“It’s a good chance to go and put things right at Ibrox. I don’t know why it isn’t clicking for us at home at the moment.

“We’ll definitely be confident going to Ibrox. We know what we need to do – stick together and work hard. I’m sure you’ll see a different performance this weekend. It’s good to have a chance so soon to put things right.”

Wright could point to defensive mistakes in all three of Aberdeen’s goals on Wednesday night and Shaughnessy was of a similar opinion.

“We gave them the first goal without them really troubling us,” he pointed out.

“We were well in the game. The first chance they get, they put away.

“We just seem to be doing that too often – giving teams a goal lead and making it hard for ourselves. That was the case again against Aberdeen.”

“For the second goal we should deal with the cross before it pops up in the area. Before you know it you’re 2-0 down,” continued Shaughnessy.

“Towards the end of the first half it looked like we could get back into it. We were trying to start the second half as we finished the first but the deflected freekick has killed the game.”

Saints’ attacking options after the January break will be boosted by the signing of Dundalk forward David Mcmillan.

Shaughnessy hasn’t seen his fellow countryman in action but he’s well aware of his pedigree.

He said: “From what I’ve seen and read he’s got a decent record for Dundalk and the teams he’s played for in Ireland.

“We were on a long run without scoring a few weeks ago and a goalscorer is always welcome at any club.”