Lomas focuses on points, not placings

Saints, like Kilmarnock, could move into third place with a victory, but the Perth side have not won a game since they beat Kenny Shiels’ side at home in October. Since then Lomas’ men have drawn three and lost two, including a home SPL draw against Ross County last week, and he is looking to get back to winning ways, regardless of where it might leave them in the table in the short-term.

He said: “We had the chance to go third against Ross County but it is not about the table at this stage. It is about keeping performances up, getting as many points on the board as we can and when the league splits we will see where we are then.”

Lomas revealed the extension of Steven MacLean’s contract until the end of next season was with a view to avoiding wholesale changes to his squad in the summer again.

He said: “MacLean came here short term (in September) and wanted to prove himself. I’ve been delighted with him. I was also mindful I didn’t want to have too many players out of contract in the summer, as I did this year.”

Kilmarnock midfielder Danny Racchi hopes to complete his return from injury today. The 25-year-old has been out since early October recovering from a knee injury which eventually required an operation. “The last game I played was Aberdeen at home, so this will be my seventh week,” said the Englishman. “I tore my cartilage in my knee. I actually did it against Hearts but I trained and played the following week. I got an operation five weeks ago and my knee is feeling good.

“Hopefully, I will be in  contention to make the bench or whatever the gaffer needs  me for.”