Cup semi clash provides Saints with edge in race for fourth

AND HE believes that the carrot of next month’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen is keeping everyone on their toes as they attempt to catch Inverness and possibly Dundee United in the league.

He added: “I watched Partick lose to Celtic on Wednesday night and they took a couple of players off with our game in mind. They are fighting for their lives. While it will be tough with Dundee United now nine points ahead in fourth place, we have to aim for them.

“We just have to keep winning games to exert pressure on them.

“The team for the semifinal won’t be picked until the week of the Aberdeen game but the players have places to fight for and that will help give us an edge.

“We had a blip against Ross County but we have been turning in good performances and I think it will be in the back of their minds. It is a big carrot for them all.”

Saints will face a Thistle side desperate to take points to edge away from the relegation play-off spot.

Davidson admitted that he welcomed the introduction of play-offs, but believes they can be sheer torture for the people involved in them.

He said:“They are great for keeping interest going right to the end of the season — but not for managers, players and supporters.

“It gives a team in the Championship race a chance to get up. It is tough if there is just one up and one down.

“I was in play-offs in England but they are all positive ones, with teams looking to come up. They don’t involve a series of clubs at the bottom.

“It is hard when you are losing games to pick yourself up. Teams in the Championship are used to winning and have a bit of confidence which can help going in to the play-offs.”

Gary McDonald is an injury doubt after hurting his knee during the warm-up in Paisley but Brian Easton returns from a hamstring strain. Stevie May comes back into contention while Tim Clancyshouldbeavailable.

SNS. Callum Davidson.