Chance would be a cutting it fine thing

Saints needing survival favours leaves Douglas in a sweat

- FRASER MACKIE

BARRY DOUGLAS admits needing favours makes St Johnstone's survival fight so fraught.

Saints will be praying for a Motherwell win at Kilmarnock plus a St Mirren success away to Dundee today.

The Perth men then must take something from Celtic tomorrow to gain any ground with games running out.

Boss Simo Valakari wants his team within touching distance before the post-split schedule to give themselves a shot at staying up.

But their nearest relegation rivals could crush that hope even if Saints secure a positive result against the Hoops or at Dundee United a week today.

Douglas said: "The reality is it will take two good games from us and two bad games for the team above us.

"The fact we're even in the conversation to get off the bottom is a positive for us.

"Yes, it's still a big ask and we need factors that are outwith our control.