St Johnstone have “made a mockery” of the theory that they were lucky to make the top six, midfielder Liam Craig has suggested.
And they haven’t finished yet.
Three wins out of three post-split is the best form of any of the top half teams, and making it four out of four against champions Celtic at McDiarmid Park would make the doubters look even more foolish.
“A lot of people questioned us coming into the split and thought we were fortunate to get in,” the former Falkirk and Hibs man said.
“I think that was incredible.
“We’ve made a mockery of that now.
“The way we beat Aberdeen, dug in at Ross County and then again at Motherwell has proved a point.
“It doesn’t come much tougher than Celtic at home and Hearts away but if we could go unbeaten in these last two matches it would be another memorable achievement and another memorable season for the club to finish fourth.
“It shouldn’t be under-estimated.
“In the first year the manager was here (as assistant to Steve Lomas) we lost all five.
“We want to win our last home game.
“It will be a good summer but it would be good to give our fans an even better summer by finishing on a high.
“With new signings coming in, on top of the good form the boys here are in, that will keep the momentum going into the start of the new season.”
Perth boss Tommy Wright gave Craig a name-check for his impressive performances in central midfield in the last two away victories.
He’s at home in the position but is happy to still be considered a versatile midfielder.
“I like playing in the middle but I like playing on the left as well, and at left-back,” Craig said. “Whether the manager likes me playing in all those positions is another thing, of course!
“I know what I’m capable of.
“A lot of this team’s success has been built on work-rate and the manager knows he’ll get that from me. It will never be in doubt.
“A lot of people have spoken very highly of Ross County’s midfield so we deserve credit for the way we did against them. A lot of that has to go to Scott Brown who came on after 35 minutes in Dingwall and was excellent. It was the same at Fir Park.
“The manager probably had his doubts about playing me and Scott Brown because it was a new combination. But I think the two of us worked well together.”
He added: “It’s probably due to injuries that I’ve ended up playing there.
“I’ve played with three different players in two games so I think that shows I’ve got the discipline for it.
“It’s great when you’ve got boys like Swanny (Danny Swanson), David (Wotherspoon) and Scott Brown in there with you, and Macca (Steven MacLean) dropping deep.
“And there’s Muzz (Murray Davidson) and Chris Millar, of course.
“In the last couple of games we’ve taken the lead and seen it out very well. I think that’s one of the strengths of my game.
“Even if it’s been off the bench the manager has brought me on to help see a game out because he knows I can do that.
“He’s brought me on a few times to get a goal as well.
“It shows the trust he’s got in me to do different jobs for the team.
“I’m just delighted that since the split I’ve played the three games and we’ve won them all.”
On tonight’s opponents, Craig said: “I’m sure one or two of the Celtic players have had a wee celebration.
“The pressure’s off them. It’s important we have the same attitude as the last three games.
“We know that if we’re positive we can cause them problems.”
Darnell Fisher, Chris Millar, Murray Davidson and Simon Lappin are all set to miss out.
