St Johnstone’s David Wotherspoon has revealed how his boss Tommy Wright helped fire up the side before Saturday’s victory over Dundee at Dens.
The Perth men won 2-0 with Danny Swanson opening the scoring, then a Wotherspoon shot was deflected into his own net by the Dark Blues’ Iain Davidson.
However, the Saints player is insistent that he should be credited with the goal and he also believes his side in general are deserving of more praise for their achievements.
He also admitted that Dundee seemingly focusing more on neighbours United prior to Saturday’s game rather than Saints had spurred Wright’s men on.
Wotherspoon said: “Sometimes we’re overlooked and the gaffer said before the game that Dundee were saying if we can get three points and try to get ahead of Dundee United . . . they didn’t really think about us who were ahead of them already, they just focused on Dundee United who were in front of us.
“It does show that some people maybe overlook us a wee bit and we showed today we can win games and score goals.
“Being underdogs is great for us and fires us up to prove everyone wrong, it’s what we thrive on, especially on days like today and venues such as this, a tough place to play.
“They’ve scored here every game they’ve played in the league this season apart from today which show how well our defence is doing.”
Dundee skipper Kevin Thomson, who was recalled for the match, admitted the chance to close the gap on Saints and United was a big incentive for the Dark Blues but they could not capitalise, producing a below-par performance.
He said: “There was a carrot there for us. We spoke about that before the game.
“We knew if we beat them it would have put us right back in the mix.
“Unfortunately it was a lethargic performance.
“I’m not sure how much Wednesday’s game against Celtic took out of the lads.
“The gaffer made three changes and I thought that would have given us a wee lift but unfortunately, it never.”