Saints boss hails players’ 100% commitment

Callum Davidson insists St Johnstone’s victory over Livingston was down to tenacity rather than tactics.

The Saints turned in a magnificent display to end the Lions’ remarkable unbeaten run, tirelessly pressing from minute one, snapping into challenges and proving a menace from set-pieces.

But Davidson, rather than take the plaudits for masterminding the triumph, was keen to lavish praise on the players who carried out his strategy to perfection.

“We didn’t really work on tactics for today,” revealed Davidson. “We focused on the attitude and commitment because that’s what you need to get a result at Livingston.

“That was the most pleasing thing for me.

“Livingston are 14 games unbeaten, they are a good side and they battle for everything. So we knew we had to come here, fight just as hard as them or even harder – that’s what got us the result.

“We just have to keep picking up wins until we’re safe and this is a great result, just as it was coming back from 2-0 down to win against Kilmarnock last weekend.

“Over the last month I’ve been really happy with the way we’ve played.”

W h i le a tireless work ethic underpinned the win, a moment of brilliance from Scott Tanser provided the opener – even if Davidson didn’t realise his free- kick had found the net – and Shaun Rooney’s headed goal after the break also displayed plenty of craft.

“At Scott’s goal, I actually thought it had hit the metal behind the goal and gone wide,” smiled Davidson. “It was only when I heard the shouts of ‘yes’ I realised he’d scored.

“It was a very good free-kick. “And it was great for Shaun to get a goal. He’s been patient and he’s very good in both boxes. It was a fantastic header for his goal, that’s the kind of threat he brings for us.”

Meanwhile, Davidson confirmed that Murray Davidson was “50- 50” to be fit for the Betfred Cup final against Livi following Kemar Roofe’s challenge on the midfielder in midweek.

“He is a quick healer so hopefully he will be back in time for it,” said the Mcdiarmid Park boss. “I’d say he is 50-50.”