Ross Callachan wants to end this season and start the next one as a St Johnstone first team regular.
The former Hearts and Raith Rovers man has been a key part of the Saints side that is starting to regain form as the current campaign draws to a close.
But starting three games in a row won’t see the midfielder resting on his laurels.
“I’m happy with the way things are going,” Callachan said.
“I’ve had to be patient this season because I’ve been in and out of the team. But it’s good to get a wee run of games now.
“I feel like I’ve been doing well recently.
“There are a lot of midfielders at the club which has meant strong competition for places.
“I feel confident and I’m getting back to my best.
“When I left Raith for Hearts (in the summer of 2017) I was absolutely flying. Confidence levels were high then. That was probably the best part of my career.
“But I still think I can get better.
“You’re never the finished article. There’s always room to improve. That’s how you progress.
“I want to do well in every game I play. For the team to do well you have to look after your own performance.
“Hopefully that will mean we finish strongly and that I set myself up to kick-on next season and play even better.
“We’ve got four big games and there is still a lot to play for.”
Callachan added: “Finishing the season strongly sets you up for the next one.
“There will be new players coming in over the summer, giving the manager decisions to make.
“I want to make it an easy decision for him to pick me when we start the new season.”
Callachan is thriving in the centre of midfield with Liam Craig behind him.
“There’s a good balance with me and Liam,” he said.
“He sits deeper. Knowing Liam’s there allows me to go forward and try to make things happen. I like driving with the ball and trying to be positive. My energy levels are high. That’s what I like to do.
“It is a good relationship. He’s always talking to me. To play with a player who has such good experience is great for my development.”
After landing two blows on Dundee in recent weeks, Saints now intend to dent St Mirren’s hopes of staying in the Premiership when they travel to Paisley at the weekend.
“They still need points and are fighting for their lives,” said Callachan.
“From our point of view it’s another game we want to win. That will be the same for all our last four matches.
“They’ll probably have more confidence than Dundee but it’s still a match we should be looking to win.
“You don’t want to let yourself down, or the fans. We’re playing for win bonuses, personal pride and momentum to take us into next season.
“There’s no danger of us just sacking it off.”
