Perth side plan to prove a point

Manager Steve Lomas hopes his St Johnstone side put on a show of their true capabilities at Celtic Park this afternoon.

Saints have conceded eight goals in their last two matches, including a 5-0 Scottish Communities League Cup quarter-final loss at Celtic.

“It’s an opportunity to go back and put in a performance somewhat more like ourselves,” Lomas said. “We know we’re going to have to play better; we’re certainly going to have to defend better.

“You can’t concede the goals we’ve conceded recently and expect to win games. You certainly can’t expect to go to Celtic Park and win. It’s a fantastic stadium, a great surface to play football.

“We’re looking forward to it.”

The Perth men are one of two sides to have beaten leaders Celtic in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League this season, having won at home in September.

Kilmarnock’s win last month came days after Celtic lost in the Champions League to a last-gasp winner in Barcelona, but today’s fixture comes after Wednesday’s victory over the Catalans.

Lomas takes confidence from the victory in the east end of Glasgow last season and his side’s 2-1 win at McDiarmid Park on 15 September, a result which sparked a run of six victories in all competitions.

A draw with Inverness was followed by the League Cup loss at Parkhead, while Saints lost 3-1 to Motherwell last weekend.

“There’s always a point to prove,” Lomas added. “You’ve got a point to prove every week you go and play and manage.

“You’ve a point to prove to yourself, you’ve a point to prove to your manager and to the fans.”