St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has insisted that a top six finish this term would rank alongside his greatest achievements as manager at McDiarmid Park.
And that includes last season’s historic Scottish Cup success.
“People might laugh at that but if you look at the size of club we are, we lost arguably one of the best strikers in the league in Stevie May and it has been difficult to replace him with the money at our disposal,” he explained.
“Kris Commons scored 28 last year.
“If he had left Celtic they could go out and spend money on a replacement on a million pound contract, or bring in a loan player that is earning three million and do a deal for him.
“It is difficult for all managers to get quality at the top end of the pitch.
“So I will take as much satisfaction out of this season if we get top six.
“It will be a tremendous achievement.
“I have said before there will be twists and turns.
“We can’t get carried away by the Celtic result.
“People have said it is a pity we don’t have a game this weekend but I’m fine about it because we have players carrying knocks.
“They will have a few days off and we will regroup for the Partick game.
“We have a points target in our heads.
“We got in with 48 points last year but there was a big gap between us and Hibs, so it is going to be tighter this year.
“If you get 48 you will definitely be in the top six.”
Many media reports chose to focus on the fact that Saints’ 1-0 win over Celtic at Parkhead on Wednesday night revived the title race, and Wright was happy to oblige.
“It should give Aberdeen a lift sunning themselves out in Tenerife,” he continued.
“I’m sure Derek McInnes and Tony Doc raised a glass or two of sangria to us at their luxury retreat in the sun!
“They will probably have got a big lift from it and if it does open up the race again that’s great.
“My concern is St Johnstone and I’m not really bothered about the title race, but it will keep things intresting.
“If it had gone to nine points I think it might have been over.
“That was reflected in the build-up to the game and there seemed to be a feeling they would go nine clear.
“I don’t think Celtic thought that way because I know their manager respects my team and the way we play.
“They knew they would get a tough game and they did.
“But the gap is only six points and they have to play each other again.
“I’m sure Aberdeen would fancy their chances at Pittodrie.
“Overall though the league is exciting.
“We have a 12 team league and there is always something happening, especially after introducing the play-offs.
“There are two fighting for the title, three realistically going for Europe right now, four going for top six.
“Probably the only team who are in a comfort zone are Partick.
“They maybe don’t have enough points for the top six but should be clear of the fight to avoid relegation.
“But everyone else has a lot on their plate and that should keep the interest going right to the end.”