St Johnstone

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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St Johnstone manager Craig Levein insists he has no concerns about his position as he attempts to steer the club to safety.

The former Scotland boss was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal in November when the Perth side were propping up the table.

Saints are currently second bottom and will be consigned to finishing in the relegation play-off spot if they lose at home to fellow strugglers Ross County on Wednesday night.

There has been criticism from some quarters amid a disappointing run of results that has seen Levein's side win just two of their last 13 league games.

"No, no I don’t [have concerns about his position], in fact I haven’t even thought about it," said Levein.

"Would we have liked to have been out of this position by now? Yes, of course. But we are where we are and we have two games left.

"This one, because it is against our nearest rivals, is hugely important and our intention is to try and get all three points.

"We have been at the bottom end of the table for most of the season and handled it reasonably well."

Despite the weekend defeat at already-relegated Livingston, Levein was encouraged by the performance heading into the crucial midweek showdown with a County side whose only away win this season came in September.

"It is the best we have played this season, certainly since I have been here," he added.

"I am hopeful that is a good sign of the performance that we put on against Ross County."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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St Johnstone manager Craig Levein has been speaking to the media before his side host Ross County in a crucial Premiership match on Wednesday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• He said the game is big for both clubs, and insists St Johnstone are "capable" of getting out of the play-off spot "without anybody else's help".

• Says the pressure of the current situation is nothing new - “we have been sitting in this position forever, it is the same."

• Wants his side to deliver a "similar type of performance" to the one they produced at Almondvale, despite that particular result.

• Says be "doesn't understand" Nick Montgomery's sacking at Hibs given he was only given one transfer window.

• He added the shortening lifespan of managers in jobs is getting more "ridiculous".

• Levein insists he doesn't have any concerns about his own position, saying he hasn't thought about it.

• Team news: Levein expects a similar line-up to the team that lost at Livingston. "If there are changes it will be one or two maximum".

Sam Miller
Fan writer

The team keep finding new ways to surprise and disappoint me.

Saints should have been out of sight after 20 minutes at Livingston on Saturday, but when the second goal didn't come I always felt the inevitable was going to happen.

The majority of players are good enough for us to stay in the league, but it seems more mental than physical at the moment.

If we perform like we did in the opening exchanges against Livingston in our 'do-or-die' battle against Ross County on Wednesday night, we might get out of trouble yet.

Sam Miller can be found at Dogger Saints, external

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St Johnstone welcome Ross County to McDiarmid Park in a massive game at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership table.

Craig Levein's side need to avoid defeat if they want to take the relegation play-off fight down to the final day but who should be in his starting line-up?

Put yourself in the manager's shoes and pick your XI here.

Watch Sportscene analysis of St Johnstone's defeat to Livingston.

Available to UK users only.

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Ross County head into a crucial meeting of relegation rivals with St Johnstone as "slight favourites", says Richard Foster.

Having played for both clubs, the former defender believes the Dingwall side are more likely to score in a high-stakes contest at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday.

However, Foster points to County's poor record on the road as a sign of hope for St Johnstone, who he believes will need a strong defensive showing to move out of the play-off position.

"I think Ross County have more goals in the team," he tells BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Simon Murray's got a great return for a team that are near the bottom of the league.

"They also have got the option of Jordan White, who came on the pitch and makes a difference because of his aerial prowess.

"It's all about whether St Johnstone can stop Ross County scoring and then nick one up to the end.

"I know they actually played quite well against Livingston and missed a few chances.

"But I think for me, I would slightly favour Ross County. Having said that, I don't think their record in Perth is very good. Their record away from home is not very good."

Watch highlights as Livingston beat St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

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Stevie May says St Johnstone have to learn from Saturday's 2-1 defeat away to Livingston if they are to bounce back against relegation rivals Ross County on Wednesday.

Craig Levein's side took an early lead at Almondvale, but squandered several clear-cut chances before being suckered by two late goals.

They have now lost their last four games and are 11th in the table, two points behind County in 10th.

“It is tough," May said. “It was really disappointing in the end on Saturday, we had plenty of chances to win the game. It was tough in the changing room afterwards, the boys were down.

“We have a game so quick; it is important that we put it to the back of our minds and take the positives.

“We started the game really well, high tempo and we have to try replicate the start we had when we play on Wednesday and take the chances when they come.”

We asked for your thoughts after St Johnstone lost 2-1 to already-relegated Livingston in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what you had to say:

Anon: Craig Levein needs to do the decent thing and walk away. The team has no fight and it looks like we are headed for the play-offs.

Ally: I would like one of your reporters to ask Geoff Brown what he thinks about appointing Levein as manager because he has set Saints on course back to where they were when Brown took control of the club. The club's current predicament lies fair and square with the Brown family.

Brian: Levein has done little to assist St Johnstone in their travails, and for big money.

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• Livingston have won after conceding the opening goal in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since 4 November 2022 against Kilmarnock (34 games without a win).

• Livingston have won after trailing at half time at home in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since 8 December 2018 against St. Mirren (22 games without a win after trailing at half time).

• St Johnstone have attempted 25 shots in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Scottish Premiership this season.

• Livingston have scored in their last four games in the Scottish Premiership, their joint longest scoring streak this season.

A tough, late defeat for St Johnstone in West Lothian.

Saints fans, let us know your thoughts on today's game here.

Craig Levein tells BBC Scotland: "It’s a strange game isn’t it? It’s probably the best we’ve played since I have come into the club. We created loads of chances and we come off with zero points, which is baffling to say the least.

"We’ve been looking for good performances and today was our best performance of the season. We just couldn’t convert that into points.

"We made a couple of mistakes defensively and when you are down the bottom end of the table, you can’t afford to miss chances and to make mistakes in your own box.

"I was proud of the way they played. They fought tooth and nail and did everything they could to get the points, but it just wasn’t to be. The encouraging thing for me is that that performance is in them.

"We are all in the dressing room and feeling sore. But we recognise that is the type of energy we need on Wednesday night (at home to Ross County). If we play like that on Wednesday, I’ll be more than happy."

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Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland

You will do well to find a side who have ever rued as many chances in a single game as St Johnstone here.

The Perth side ran riot early on but failed to convert their chances, with Sidibeh’s opener essentially an open goal that could not be missed.

Starting strong but falling off rapidly was St Johnstone’s downfall.

Cammy MacPherson impressed throughout on his long-awaited return but few others in the team sustained their early levels of performance for the full 90.

St Johnstone’s inability to finish good chances is the primary reason they failed to rise above Ross County. But not the only one.

Defensive fragility under pressure and an overreliance on Dimitar Mitov’s shot-stopping could also drag them down to the second tier alongside Livingston.

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Cammy MacPherson excelled in his first appearance since November 2023 following a lengthy injury lay-off, winning possession and passing more accurately than any of his fellow teammates.

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Craig Levein makes four changes to the side who fell to a 1-0 defeat at Pittodrie last Saturday.

Adama Sidibeh and Stevie May return up top, whilst David Keltjens and Cammy MacPherson also slot back in to the starting XI.

Andy Considine, Matthew Smith, Connor Smith and Benjamin Mbunga Kimpioka all drop to the bench.

Joining the benched quartet on the substitute's list is Diallang Jaiyesimi, who has been out of action for two months.

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Livingston: George, Brandon, Devlin, Nottingham, Montano, Sean Kelly, Stephen Kelly, Pittman, Anderson, Nouble, Yengi.

Substitutes: Wright, Carson, Obileye, MacKay, Bradley, Sangare, Shinnie, Guthrie, Sharp.

St Johnstone: Mitov, McGowan, Gordon, Keltjens, Wright, MacPherson, Phillips, Carey, Clark, May, Sidibeh.

Substitutes: Richards, Considine, Jaiyesimi, Kucheriavyi, Olufunwa, Kimpioka, M Smith, Franczak, C Smith.

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Livingston will make a late decision on the fitness of Ayo Obileye after the defender went off with a toe issue in last weekend’s defeat by Motherwell. Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton (groin), James Penrice (hip) and Shaun Donnellan are all set to remain on the sidelines.

St Johnstone’s Luke Robinson will be out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Tony Gallacher is doubtful with a calf issue. Sven Sprangler is still not ready to play after a knee problem but Diallang Jaiyesimi is likely to be named on the bench after two months out injured.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Matt Smith says St Johnstone must "enjoy the pressure" of their relegation battle as they travel to Livingston on Saturday.

With the West Lothian club already relegation, St Johnstone have the opportunity to put pressure on 10th-placed Ross County, who they host next week.

“To be a footballer you have to cope with pressure in every game," he said.

"The magnitude of the stage we are at in this year is maybe pressure in a negative way. It’s what we are fighting for.

“Pressure is part of the job. You have got to get in with it and enjoy it as much as you can.”

“At this stage if the season you just have to make sure everyone is at it and support the lads as much as you can.

“If we win games of football we will be safe, so hopefully we can do that and it works out well."

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St Johnstone manager Craig Levein insists his side are up for the fight as they battle to avoid relegation.

The Perth side sit 11th in the Premiership with three games remaining, two points behind Ross County in 10th.

Despite that, Levein says he would have taken their precarious position if offered it earlier in the season.

“We have been down near the foot of the table for most of the season," he said. "We need to dig in, work really hard and stay in this league. It’s as simple as that.

“We are in a position where our fate is in our own hands and if you asked me a couple of months ago if we would like to be in this position I would have said yes.

“I’ve rarely came in after any game and been highly critical of the players, so I haven’t got any question about their willingness to stand up and be counted.

“It’s three massive matches and if we get three points that puts on a good footing to go into the game against Ross County on Wednesday. That’s the aim so we will see how we get on.”

Levein also revealed there has been little planning for next season, with uncertainty over their league status and American businessman Adam Webb's takeover ongoing.

“[Planning has] been nigh on impossible really," the former Scotland boss added.

"Until we know what our budget is and what league we are playing in there is nothing I can do at the moment."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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St Johnstone manager Craig Levein has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership trip to Livingston on Saturday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Stressed the club's Premiership fate is very much in their own hands as they fight for survival, and insists he would have taken this scenario a few months ago.

• Levein says he will take each game on its own merit but accepts wins are needed.

• Doesn’t know what to expect from Livingston but is preparing to face the “best version" of David Martindale's side.

• Planning for next season is on hold until end of campaign - "until we know what our budget is and what league we are playing in, there is nothing I can do".

• Wigan loanee Luke Robinson is out for the rest of the season with a cartilage tear, while Tony Gallagher is a doubt.

• Levein is keeping an eye on the play-offs, just in case they end up facing one of the Championship sides.

You could pick this one or Ross County's home game against Motherwell given their equal significance in helping decide who ends in the play-off spot.

St Johnstone are the current occupiers after last week's defeat at Pittodrie left them two points adrift of County, with both sides holding an identical goal difference.

Saints are on a bleak run of just one win in seven games at just the wrong moment, and they, along with Saturday's opponents Livingston, are the lowest scorers in the league with a turgid 25 goals from 35 games.

It is a truly awful return and one that must have alarm bells ringing at McDiarmid Park. If they can't beat already-relegated Livingston, then hope of scraping to 10th will fade fast.

It is pivotal for Craig Levein and his team they do not welcome County to Perth on Wednesday any further behind.

Don't expect a classic, but the stakes couldn't be much higher for Saints.

Read all the weekend's Premiership picks

• All three league meetings between Livingston and St Johnstone this season have been drawn; the last fixture to be drawn four times in a Scottish top-flight campaign was Dunfermline Athletic v Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2011-12.

• St Johnstone are winless in four league visits to Livingston (D2 L2) since a 2-1 victory in February 2022.

• After their 2-0 win over Ross County, Livingston are looking to pick up back-to-back home league victories for the first time since May 2023 (run of 3).

• St Johnstone have lost nine of their last 12 league games (W2 D1), including their last three. However, all of their last three league wins have come away from home.

• St Johnstone boss Craig Levein has drawn seven of his last eight games against Livingston in the Scottish Premiership, with the exception in this period a 5-0 defeat with Hearts in December 2018.