Saints ‘must raise the performance levels’
Richard Foster admits the midweek Betfred Cup loss to lowly Montrose was embarrassing.
But the St Johnstone defender insists the 1-0 defeat at Links Park doesn’t even come close to his biggest cup calamity.
Tommy Wright’s men could get back on track with a win over Ross County in today’s televised tie.
So Perth vice-captain Foster believes they can still mount a salvage job.
But there were no second chances when he was part of Jimmy Calderwood’s Aberdeen side which lost a 2008 Scottish Cup semi-final to unfancied Queen of the South.
“I have taken a few dunts that were bigger than losing to Montrose, especially when I was at Aberdeen,” he recalled.
“The most notable one would have to be the 4-3 defeat from Queen of the South.
“That has to be marked down as the lowest point of my whole career.
“If we had won that game, we’d have gone on to face a Rangers side in the final that was dead their feet after losing the UEFA Cup final to Zenit St Petersburg.
“So that semi-final could be seen as a chance to win the cup.”
But former Don, Rangers and Ross County full-back Foster (33) knows Perth fans are hurting after the Links Park shocker.
“We didn’t play well and Montrose deserved their victory. We didn’t offer anything,” he said.
“That is probably the most disappointing thing, especially with the quality we had out on the pitch.
“You can lose games of football due to a bad break or a refereeing decision. But we lost to a team a couple of divisions below us and couldn’t complain.
“Now it’s Ross County and they are flying, scoring four goals in each of their last two games.
“So we need to raise the level of our performance drastically all across the pitch if we are going to win and have a chance of progressing in the cup.”
Perth boss Wright is confident his injury-hit squad will be bolstered before the opening league clash with champions Celtic.
“It’s not the ideal start, but it is far too early for anyone pushing a panic button. And I certainly won’t be doing that,” he stressed.
Chairman Steve Brown has been working on a deal designed to tempt Aberdeen centre Stevie May back to familiar territory.
And Wright ready to add defensive options.
“The chairman knows how difficult a job I have, and I fully understand how tough a job he has got,” said Wright.
“If we were selling 3000-3500 season tickets, it would make a heck of a difference.
“It is unfortunate we haven’t seen our support going up much after the success we have enjoyed over the last six years, including the Scottish Cup win.
“I know that is frustrating for the chairman and it has a knock-on effect in putting a squad together.
“But we now have a squad full of value, one that can command fees.
“It is down in numbers, but it has improved in quality. Once we get everyone fit, there will be decent competition for places. And there will be players added.”