PLAYING AWAY ISN’TACONCERN Levein’s upbeat about post-split fixtures
Playing three out of their five remaining Premiership games away from home will not phase St Johnstone in their survival bid, says manager Craig Levein.
The Perth club’s post-split fixtures were revealed on Tuesday with Hibernian first up at Mcdiarmid Park.
It is followed by away trips to Aberdeen, Livingston and Motherwell.
The crunch clash for all those concerned with play-off safety is without doubt Ross County who are a point behind Saints - at home on May 15.
All three of Saints’ wins in 2024 have come at the grounds of bottom six rivals - Victoria Park, Pittodrie and Easter Road.
And Levein (pictured) believes that bodes well for the run-in.
“Being ready to compete will be the most important thing in this situation,” he said.
“How the fixture list came out didn’t really bother me.
“We’ve been up and down all season and I don’t think it’s a home and away thing. Our form in general has been very inconsistent and unpredictable.
“Three away games isn’t something that concerns me.
“We’ve got pace in the team –
Benji scored at Ross County and Aberdeen and Adama scored at Hibs through being able to run.
“That’s something we didn’t have before to help us in away games.”
He added: “All the games against the other teams in the bottom six have been close.
“And we’ve got a fairly good record.
“I think we’re all pretty evenly matched – even though generally you’d expect Aberdeen and Hibs to be in the top six.
“It will be a case of being at our best in every game we play. It’s that simple.
“Having players who have been through it before should help. You’d like to think so.
“The team did well in the fixtures after the split last season.”
Captain Liam Godron is set to be welcomed back into the fold for the Premiership gauntlet.
“Having Gordy back will be important,” added Levein.
“Most of the teams we’ll be facing have a big boy up top who can head the ball.
“There aren’t many better than him in the league at competing in the air.
“His all-round play and leadership qualities are important as well.
“He’s vocal and we do miss him when he’s out.”
Duncan Scott MBE will have a shot at adding to his tally of six Olympic medals after he was unveiled in a 33-strong British swimming squad in Stirling on Tuesday.
The swimming ace - who honed his skills at Strathallan School in Forgandenny - was confirmed as one of five Scots headed to Paris in July.
The 26-year-old (pictured at unveiling) had an outstanding haul at the previous Olympics at Tokyo 2020, becoming first British athlete to win four medals at the Games.
He said:“the Olympics is the pinnacle of our sport. So it’s something that everyone dreams of becoming an Olympic champion in whatever event that may be in.” PAGE 37
Saints will kick-off at home to Hibernian on Saturday, April 27 before away fixtures against Aberdeen on May 4 and Livingston on May 11.
Craig Levein’s men will then welcome Ross County to Mcdiarmid Park on Wednesday, May 15 before finishing the season away to Motherwell on Sunday, May 19.
• Saturday, April 27 at 3pm - Hibernian (H)
• Saturday, May 4 at 3pm -
Aberdeen (A)
• Saturday, May 11 at 3pm - Livingston (A)
• Wednesday, May 15 at 7.45pm - Ross County (H)
• Sunday, May 19 at 3pm - Motherwell (A)