Millar relaxed about top-six race
St Johnstone midfielder Chris Millar insists the pressure is off Tommy Wright's team - even though they are clinging on to their top-six slot.
Saints entertain Tayside rivals Dundee on Saturday knowing a win will guarantee them a top-half berth following the league split.
But a win for Paul Hartley's side - who are just a point behind after beating city rivals Dundee United on Wednesday - could spark a nightmare scenario for the Perth men.
A Dundee victory, combined with another defeat for Jackie McNamara's side when they host Hamilton, would see Saints drop down into the bottom half.
Wright's side have already blown two previous chances to cement their top-six status after Tuesday's defeat to Ross County followed last weekend's 1-1 draw with Accies.
But Saints midfielder Millar believes his side will hold their nerve this time.
He said: "The past two games the results have been disappointing but there has been plenty of positives to take from it.
"We have been in the top six for most of the season and we feel like we should be there. We feel we are a top-six side so there is no pressure. It is a must-win game for us and we will definitely be up for the game."
Saints have produced some of their best form at home, suffering only two defeats in Perth since November.
Now after two games on the road, Millar believes a return to the Fair City will give his team-mates a lift going into Saturday's derby.
"Our home form has been good this year," said Millar. "We have won some big games there and we know how important this game is. It is a local Tayside derby so hopefully the fans will turn out and support us to get that win to secure top six."
Dundee manager Hartley has told his players to keep their feet on the ground after their long-awaited city derby win.
The Dark Blues received a huge lift with their 3-1 triumph over Dundee United at Dens Park in midweek, which moved them into the top six in the Scottish Premiership ahead of Saturday's trip to face St Johnstone in Perth.
But Hartley maintains they will remain grounded irrespective of what happened during the week.
He said: "We were all obviously very happy with the derby result. It spoke volumes for the players. A result like that is great for the supporters too.
"But we haven't done anything yet. That's what we have to remember and that's the message going into this game with St Johnstone."
Dundee will face a team who have been a model of consistency in recent seasons, so Hartley is under no illusions about the size of the task they face at McDiarmid Park to bring back the three points.
The Dundee boss said: "They are a very good team. They are strong all over the pitch. There is never an easy game against St Johnstone.
"But we will focus on ourselves as always. It's a big game and we're looking forward to it. We should take a big support through too which always helps the lads."
Gary Harkins (shin), Gary Irvine (knee) and Luka Tankulic (hamstring) are all still out for Dundee.
Greg Stewart is rated a 50-50 shot to feature, because of a knock he picked up against United.
Source: PA
