St Johnstone have “everything to play for and nothing to fear” as the top six fight heats up, according to Drey Wright.
The winger set-up Callum Hendry for his late winner against Livingston on Saturday – a result that has given the Perth men the chance to leapfrog Hibs when the teams meet at Easter Road on Saturday.
Post-split Premiership football against the big boys rather than the relegation battlers is starting to look realistic rather than just hopeful.
“Even when we were down towards the bottom of the table and things were not going right, we always believed in ourselves,” said Wright.
“The character of the club which stems from the manager and the dressing room.
“Thankfully we are in a good bit of form at the moment and hopefully that can continue.
“Around October/November time it was looking very bleak for us. We didn’t win a game in our first nine matches.
“The turnaround has been brilliant. The top six seemed a long way away but now we’re just a point outside.
“We have got everything to play for and nothing to fear going into the last few games.”
Wright admitted that he “couldn’t care less” that his overall performance before the goal assist didn’t reach his recent standards.
“I was trying all sorts on Saturday and it was just not working out,” he admitted. “That is not important at the end of the day.
“What was important was gaining ground on teams above us.
“Results went our way so we’re looking forward to this week.
“I was starting to get back to the levels I know I can reach in recent weeks. But there were no goals and assists to show for it.
“Saturday was probably one of my worst performances ever but I’ve come away with an assist for the winner.
“You personally want to play well. But I guess I couldn’t care less, as long as we pick up the three points.
“We have closed the gap and given ourselves a real chance of top six.”
Wright added: “Conditions were not great. It was really windy and it was wet out there.
“Coming up against Livingston’s style of play, we knew we would need to be up for the game and match their physicality.
“It was very hard to get the ball down but the boys stuck to it.
“Livingston had a lot of set-pieces and long-throws but our back three were brilliant and dealt with everything.
“We did not give them many chances. They had one in the first half but apart from that we kept them very quiet.
“In the end we have managed to nick the goal.”
Having a penalty box predator like Hendry waiting for your crosses is a winger’s dream.
“We know what Callum is like and if you put a ball into an area he will probably end up scoring,” said Wright.
“At the start of the season he was coming off the bench and winning points at valuable times.
“Now he is doing it from the start and that is brilliant to see.”
