Dunfermline v St Johnstone: Pars not panicking ahead of basement clash with Inverness

The First Division champions have not won since August and have lost ten goals without reply in their last three games. Dunfermline could go bottom if they lose at Inverness today but there is no danger of panic setting in at East End Park.

Former Hamilton player Graham said: “It’s a good bunch of boys here and we know what everyone is capable of. We’re all in it together. We aren’t under any illusions. We just have to work hard, get a bit of the rub of the green and hopefully string a few wins together. There is a lot more experience here than there was when I was at Hamilton. There have boys that have been there and done it.”

Graham highlighted the likes of Paul Gallacher, John Potter and Gary Mason, who all helped St Mirren maintain their SPL status in recent years. “The young boys can learn from that experience,” Graham added. “We have a great team spirit and that’s half the battle.”

The Pars secured wins at St Johnstone and Dundee United earlier in the season but Graham always suspected tough times were ahead. “I think every team that comes up normally has a decent start because you are used to winning and have got that winning mentality,” the 28-year-old said. “But, at this level, mistakes get punished whereas maybe in the First Division we would have got away with them. You are playing against better players and better organised teams and they will punish you. We just have to learn from that and move on.”

Manager Jim McIntyre was not happy with his side after 4-0 defeats against Aberdeen and Rangers but he was satisfied with the overall display and effort in a 2-0 defeat by Hearts last weekend.

Graham said: “Against Hearts a couple of mistakes cost us. Apart from that there wasn’t much in the game. So it was pleasing to put in a better performance.”

Inverness manager Terry Butcher, meanwhile, has challenged his players to atone for a below-par display against St Johnstone with two home wins.

The 2-0 defeat in Perth last weekend was Caley’s worst Clydesdale Bank Premier League showing of the season, feels Butcher, who has demanded a positive response. “The mood in the camp has been very remorseful and very sheepish among the players,” he said. “But there is no point going over old ground.

“You get this now and again in a season when you get a massive slap in the face and you have to regroup and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”