The early-season Betfred Cup tightrope act has been a perilous one for Premiership sides, with holders Ross County already knocked out and Dundee and several others facing a final weekend battle to make the last 16.
But St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright does not believe the Perth club can be accused of being in “pre-season mode” in the revamped League Cup.
Saints sit top of their table on seven points and need just one more point to progress, with Stirling Albion at home their last fixture tomorrow.
“We did more than enough to win the (Brechin) game after being hit by a counter attack,” Wright said. “We had more than enough opportunities and could have been a bit more ruthless.
“But looking at the start we have made to the season performances have been solid.
“Now we have to beat a Stirling side which has been doing really well and who will fancy their chances after a good start to the campaign.
“There have been a few upsets in the competition and you can see how it happens. Some players might think they’re still in pre-season mode but I don’t think you can point the finger at us.
“There’s no way we will be taking Stirling lightly. We will be putting out a strong team again.
“There is a balance to be struck between preparing for the league campaign and picking up wins to advance in the cup. I think we have got it right.
“The changes in midweek didn’t weaken the team. We just didn’t get the result the performance deserved.”
Alan Mannus will return and Wright will make a decision next week on whether the Northern Irishman or Zander Clark has won the battle to start the first league match next weekend.
He said: “They have both done well in pre-season and it’s a good dilemma for a manager to have.”
Wright added: “Keith Watson will be kept back this week.
“David Wotherspoon will hopefully be getting a lighter cast on which will allow him to play. He is seeing the specialist again. But I don’t think he will feature this weekend. He is fit enough but he probably needs a run.
“Dave Mackay is getting another course of injections next week. He has started to do a bit more work but is still weeks away from a return.”
