I’ll take gaffer’s talk Con board
CONNOR SMITH insists Craig Levein’s straight talking will boost St Johnstone’s survival bid.
The midfielder’s first goal since signing from Hearts was not enough to prevent defeat at Celtic Park.
Saints are now just a solitary point from the playoff spot but Smith, 22, is defiant and responsive to his gaffer’s harsh words.
Levein was critical of the sub’s impact in a recent loss to Dundee but fellow Parkhead replacements Tony Gallacher and Stevie May were also involved in his goal.
Smith said: “He spoke to me after the Dundee game. I knew myself I wasn’t good enough when I came on.
“My energy levels weren’t what they should be, a big part of my game is running about and getting stuck in.
“It was one of those games that just didn’t go well for me. He told me that can’t happen.
“I apologised. I knew it wasn’t good enough. I made sure that this time it would be better.
“I got my first for the club and I’m buzzing for that. I made an impact, which is what I was asked to do.
“He was like that at Hearts and it’s been the exact same here. The manager has been brilliant for me.
“His experience will be really important over the next couple of months.”
Weekend wins for Aberdeen and Ross County did Saints no favours but Smith said: “We’d hoped to get at least a point and other results haven’t gone our way.
“But we’re still above Ross County. Keeping it that way is our main aim and we’ll be looking to win as many of our last eight games as we can.
“That’s matches against Rangers and Celtic out of the way. We’ve got another free weekend with the international break. We’ll train hard and get ready for Dundee.”