St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright: We need to be on A game against Hearts
Boss Tommy Wright believes St Johnstone have to be at their very best if they are to overcome Hearts at McDiarmid Park for the second time this season.
Saints reached the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup with a 3-2 win over Robbie Neilson's side in August.
Wright, who saw club captain Dave Mackay retire this week through a hip issue, insists his side have to reach those same heights on Saturday if they are to garner points against the second-placed Jambos, who have not lost since their cup exit.
The Northern Irishman said: "It (win over Hearts) gives us a lot of confidence.
"The games between the two sides have been intriguing.
"There was a lot of goals in them last season and that continued into this season with a 3-2 against them.
"They are a quality side. They have had a good start in the league, they have strengthened what is already a good squad.
"They have a real physical presence and among that they have quality players like (Jamie) Walker, (Sam) Nicholson and (Tony) Watt, who I think is going to be a great signing for them and we have to be on our A game to get a result.
"It is good that a club our size can compete with the club the size of Hearts and we have done that already this season.
"We go into the game knowing we can win but we have to deliver, and as I say, we have to be on our A game because they are a good side."
Meanwhile, Conor Sammon thinks Hearts strike partner Tony Watt is maturing into a Scotland striker of the future.
The former Celtic protege has made an encouraging start to his Tynecastle loan switch after parent club Charlton allowed him to return to Scotland to be nearer his family.
And Sammon believes those home comforts are allowing the 22-year-old to finally show his true worth.
Watt has been criticised by previous managers like Neil Lennon for his poor work rate in training but according to his Irish colleague he is now knuckling down under the tutelage of Robbie Neilson.
Now Sammon says Watt - a late call-up to Gordon Strachan's squad for last week's World Cup qualifier against Malta - can earn himself a permanent slot if he finds a way to add to the one goal he has managed for the Jambos so far.
Sammon said: "I can't speak about what he has done in the past but from the first day I've seen him at the training ground he's shown a real desire to do well and to make a success of his time at Hearts.
"I think he and I are a good fit together. He likes to drop in between midfield and up front, which suits me because I want to play in behind and stretch the game.
"We've already seen the ability that Tony has and I think our partnership will only grow because we're still only at the early part of the season.
"The signs are very good and I'm enjoying playing alongside him.
"I think the move here has been refreshing for him. He's had a similar time to myself over the last couple of years in that he's moved around from club to club. He's been abroad too which is another huge experience but I'm sure for him it's quite pleasing to be back closer to home, to get an opportunity to play games.
"That will only benefit him and it's only a matter of time before he starts scoring goals consistently.
"He has been going from club to club but now he wants to show people what he can do. In the past at such a young age he has shown some glimpses of real quality and talent. Now he's at an age where he wants to show that on a consistent basis.
"It will have been a great experience for him linking up with the national team recently and that gives him even more motivation to do well in a Hearts jersey so that next time his name is in there."
Hearts are again at full strength for the trip. The Jambos travel to Perth knowing a win could temporarily send them top ahead of Celtic's clash with Inverness on Sunday.
Source: PAR
