Wright says top-six failure would not be end of world

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright claims it would not be the end of the world if they fail to make the top six.

Saints finished in the top half of the top flight for five years running after Wright arrived in Perth, initially as assistant to Steve Lomas for his first season.

They have just missed out in the last two years and are four points off sixth-placed Hibernian with five matches before the split. But Wright is not putting himself or his players under extra pressure after they were bottom of the league going into December.

They have only lost two league games since then, one against Celtic and the other a narrow defeat against today’s opponents, Livingston.

And Wright will remain satisfied if they consolidate their position but just miss out on the top six.

“It makes a big difference to all clubs because there’s extra prize money,” he said. “You get one of the big two probably or, if you’re lucky, the big two in terms of extra revenue when you get them at home games.

“It is important but it’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t happen. We have finished eighth and seventh and they are still good seasons for us. The main thing every season for us is staying in the league.”

Defender Jon Guthrie is looking for Livingston to start picking points up on their travels after they showed their prowess at home on Wednesday night with a 2-2 draw against Celtic.

“We will just go about our business, keep ticking away and see where it takes us,” he said. “If we start picking up more points away, who knows where that can take you.”