Saints look for better reward

It took a late goal to thwart St Johnstone the last time they played Celtic, writes Eric Nicolson.

And manager Tommy Wright is hoping that his team can make the Hoops toil for the second match in less than a fortnight – and this time get their reward on Sunday.

“The cup game was frustrating because the players had worked hard and weathered the onslaught when they got their winner,” said Wright.

“I thought we had done enough to take it to extra-time. So there was huge disappointment about going out.

“We played slightly higher up in terms of a press. Different managers will tweak their teams in a way they think will get the best result.

“You have to make sure you are difficult to beat.

“That is what I will do. I want to get a team and a formation that provides a balance between making it difficult for them, with and without the ball.

“Celtic are happy to keep the ball, move from side to side and wait for an opening. They have a patient build-up. Other teams are maybe more direct.

“I don’t think they were particularly tentative against us. There is a measure of control in their game and how Brendan wants to play.”

Wright added: “We played a Rangers side which produced their best performance of the season and Celtic were as good as they have been this season in that second half.

“You have to be patient, be solid and your keeper has to play well and we did that in the cup tie. We also posed a threat at times.

“Obviously Celtic have dropped more points this season and that gives teams confidence going into games.

“But in the back of players’ minds they might still be thinking there’s not a lot you can do if Celtic turn it on.”

This match is the last of a brutal run of fixtures for the Perth team – Aberdeen, Rangers, Celtic, Hearts and Celtic again.

One draw and two narrow defeats so far is a respectable return but Wright wants more.

“It is a competitive league again and teams are taking points off the bigger teams,” he said.

“There’s a general feeling teams can take points off them but I have always thought that way and we did it last year against Celtic.

“Celtic will be under more pressure this season with Hearts doing well, Rangers have been OK and Hibs are flying.

“We will have to see what that brings.”

Tony Watt is set to play against his former team but Murray Davidson is unlikely to return from an ankle injury.

“He’s got a chance but I will probably err on the side of caution,” Wright said.

“It’s probably a week too early, but he’s got an outside chance.

“The good news is if he doesn’t make Sunday he will definitely make Motherwell.

“Tony Watt is still struggling a bit but that’s something he can play through because it has improved this week from what it was last week. So he’ll be in the squad.”