SAINTS AIN'T ANGELS

Leaders can play AND fight warns McAlear

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REECE McALEAR reckons last week's beating at Arbroath will turn out a blessing in disguise for St Johnstone.

The Perth promotion surge stalled with two draws then last week’s ghastly Gayfield loss.

But Simo Valakari's side dismissed the doubts by firing four goals past Morton inside 33 minutes. Saints eased three points clear again from the chasing pack.

And putting a ‘soft’ performance firmly behind them straight away was the perfect response.

McAlear, 23, said: “Last week was tough but I think we needed that, to be honest.

“This league is hard. And the main thing is it’s the Championship - not Champions League.

“So you need to fight first and foremost and we've got that here. We can play football as well but we can fight with you.

“To come to another tough place = similar to Arbroath - and win 4-0 was really pleasing.

“We've got good boys in the changing room, so didn’t need to be told it wasn't good enough last week. We were too soft at Arbroath. The manager could've made a number of changes.

“But he picked the team and I was in it. I was buzzing, so had to go out and show I should be in it again next week. That's what it's like at this club because we've got a lot of really good players.”