Aberdeen v St Johnstone | preview

It was the response we were looking for but I am not surprised. "We spoke about showing that enthusiasm after the disappointment and I thought the players were terrific the other night. There were some very good individual performances and a strong team performance. The only blip was not getting the cleansheet. But that would be nit-picking when you looking at how our attacking play was. I thought we looked capable of scoring even more on the night. It was good for us and it was good for the supporters to see us scoring so many goals and to see that attacking threat and to see us getting three points to get us up and running again. "As I say it was not a surprise. I have the privilege of working with the players ever day. The disappointment that everyone felt was the same for the players. It was good for them to get a bit of reward for their work. "We went with a really positive team to try and get us back to winning ways and it paid dividends. It took us 15 to 20 minutes to get going but once we got going we played some good stuff. "Every game is a different challenge though. We will pick a team to play St Johnstone. "We now have six games in the space of about 20 odd days. It would be unrealistic to think the same team will be going out there game after game. It is important we get people ready to play their part. The players have to be ready to stake a claim. "The contribution from the players who came in on Tuesday was great. Peter is an example of that. He has been showing a real high level in training again and sometimes you can't ignore that as a manager. It looks like he has that bit between his teeth again. His performance mirrored how he has been training. It was good for him to get the goal because when you play in that position who have got to be contributing. He more that played his part. I was delighted for him. "St Johnstone have a lot of experience and a lot of knowhow as a team. They have players who can punish you if you are not right. It is important that we start the game properly and don't give them too much encouragement. We expect a tough game. I say that every time we play them. I think there is a health respect between both clubs. The work that Tommy and his players put in season after season has to be admired. Tommy is a manager who does good work every season. "St Johnstone have been scoring goals this season, especially recently. They had been conceding a few goals but looked more like themselves when they played Inverness last time out. We are very mindful of what they can do. "It is a game where we are going to have to play well to get the win. "There was a lot I liked about the game the other night but on Saturday we have a different opponent. We will pick the team that we feel will get the job done. And it is getting that balance right when you play better teams, getting the balance right between attacking and defending. "The two results this season highlight the fine margins between both teams. I have no doubt it will be a tight game. "December has always been a good month. December does challenge your focus and does challenge your squad. It is something we have been really pleased with over the last few years. We have always felt that when the games come thick and fast, we have managed to deal with that situation well. Obviously, you need players to be fit to help you and we have that at the minute. There are no injuries going into this game and hopefully that will continue. "December will shape the second part of the season. We want to come back in January sitting where we want to in the league and with a lot to look forward to."