STEVEN MacLean is targeting the Betfred Cup final in November.
The St Johnstone striker missed out on the 2-1 opening day league win at Kilmarnock because his fragile knee isn’t risked on artificial surfaces.
But the centre will return to the Perth line-up to face Partick Thistle tonight.
“Partick will be difficult. They like to keep the ball and they are maybe more physical now,” he said.
“But whoever wins is in the last eight and looking to reach the semi finals.
“I like the new format. With the final being in November it is something to look forward to if you get there. You aren’t kept hanging about.”
MacLean was frustrated to miss out at Rugby Park.
He said: “My season starts now but it was good to see the boys getting the three points.
“It was a great win because I think Killie will be tricky to play down there.”
Backing up his manager, MacLean insisted Saints are far from being one-trick ponies.
He said: “It’s a different season but the same old banter. Maybe people will come up with something new one day.
“It’s a compliment to the gaffer and the boys I suppose but it’s funny when you see it pretty much every week.
“I don’t know about streetwise. It’s called winning football games in my book.
“We scored two cracking goals at Kilmarnock and last season we scored plenty and played some right good stuff.
“We aren’t a big side like some others. We just know how to win games. You can’t win just by playing well every week.
“Teams will have spells in games and it’s about staying in matches when you aren’t playing well and seeing them out.
“We have always been good at that and we work on being well drilled. Everyone knows their roles. That is what it is all about.”
