St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright will be a spectator at tonight’s match in Inverness.
But whether it is a Dundee United win, an Inverness Caledonian Thistle one, or a draw, it won’t move the goalposts for Saints’ next match.
“Whatever the result up there we know we have to beat United in the weekend derby,” Wright pointed out.
“We will deal with whatever happens. This is United’s game in hand.
“I’m going up to Inverness because I haven’t seen United live in recent weeks.”
An Inverness victory, taking them seven clear of the Perth men, would make Saints long-odds against to claim third place and guarantee Europa League qualification.
But that doesn’t mean Wright believes it couldn’t be done.
He noted: “We aren’t settling for fourth because we believe we can take points from the closing games against Celtic and Aberdeen.
“The lads aren’t settling for anything right now, with nine points to play for, but we need to win on Saturday to have a realistic chance.
“The most important game is the next one and that happens to be a derby.
“We are having another good season and the possibility of getting into Europe is still there for us.”
Brian Graham was the goalscorer for Saints at the weekend, but Wright was happy with the contribution of all his frontmen.
The Northern Irishman described MacLean’s link-up play as “excellent”.
He added: “Michael (O’Halloran) did well through the middle and had a couple of chances. His pace caused them bother and with a bit of luck he would have added to his goals tally.
“And Brian Graham’s equaliser was a superb goal and well worked by David (Wotherspoon) and Scobs (Tam Scobbie).”
MacLean is a doubt for the weekend as a result of his eye injury, but Brian Easton is expected to return.
Meanwhile Wright was reluctant to comment on whether he is interested in versatile Aberdeen defender Joe Shaughnessy.
“We are interested in a few players at the moment but I’m not prepared to discuss who are our targets are,” he said.
“I just don’t think it is right to talk about who we might or might not be taking to with a view to next season.”
A bounce game has been arranged to see trialist forward Joe Thompson in action.