Valakari: Saints can't have any more off-days

SIMO VALAKARI admits bottom side St Johnstone can ill afford another shocker if they are to stand a chance of survival.

- Fraser Mackie

Saints were sunk 3-0 at Hibs on Saturday to bring a fine run of form to a shuddering halt.

They'd won six and drawn two of their previous 10 in all competitions before that comprehensive loss.

Valakari is intent that Dundee and Kilmarnock remain within reach when the bottom-six schedule kicks off.

But the Perth men face two tough tests at home to Celtic then at Dundee United before the split.

Saints are five points behind the Dark Blues and six adrift of Killie with seven games to play.

Manager Valakari is adamant the performance can't dip again to the level of their Hibs humbling.

"Last weekend shouldn't affect our confidence because we know the good form we had been in," said the Finn.