St Johnstone are ready to prove one more time that they are a team for the big occasion, according to player of the season Chris Millar.
The Perth side are just one win away from sealing fourth place in the Premiership, and with it qualification for the Europa League should Inverness Caledonian Thistle lift the Scottish Cup at the end of the month.
It’s the sort of situation Millar, who has cleaned up in supporters clubs’ end of year awards, believes this Saints team thrives in.
“I remember the season we finished third and we had to beat Motherwell on the last day,” he said. “This could be similar.
“It’s in our own hands. And when it comes to the big games the boys tend to deliver. This is going to be a massive game for us.
“I know we have been notoriously bad starters. But we come on strong towards the end of seasons.
“This is when places are earned. Look at Hamilton earlier in the season, they were flying.
“But we have come through the dips and put in a charge when it matters most. This is the business end of the year and we thrive on it. Maybe it is down to experience.”
Millar added: “We deserved all three points against Celtic but one wasn’t too bad.
“And our friends at Inverness did us a huge favour by beating United and hopefully they can do us another one in the cup final. But we have to make sure of fourth place.
“It’s not going to be easy up at Aberdeen but we are in the driving seat now.
“We know we have to go to Pittodrie and win. Then the United result against Dundee doesn’t matter.
“Beat Aberdeen and we don’t have to rely on anyone else until May 30.”
Millar admitted that he has been humbled by the recognition he has received from Saints supporters.
He said: “There were something like 11 awards and I think I got nine of them. The lads were giving me pelters.
“But it was really nice, very humbling, especially when I have been at the club such a long time and had only one before, back in my first season after leaving Morton.
“Since then there was nothing but I feel this has been the best season of my whole career.
“It’s good to know I am appreciated.
“I have only scored one goal so I’d have cleaned up if I had managed two!
“I don’t really think about age but I am 32 and this has been my most consistent season ever.
“I just feel really good in my mind and body. That has shown out on the park.”
A positional change has seen Millar thrive under current manager Tommy Wright.
The former Celtic youth said: “I was centre mid at Morton when I first came to the club. But Derek McInnes played me wide right with Liam Craig on the left.
“I feel I have been better since moving inside to a more central position. My game has come on leaps and bounds. I think it has gone to another level this season.
“I feel really comfortable in there.
“I have been here so long that I feel at home in the dressing room as well.
“Individual awards are nice but it is down to the team and we have a brilliant bunch of boys here. We have a fantastic team spirit here.
“The result against Celtic proved it.”