St. Johnstone vs Ross County: Scottish Premiership – BBC Sport

Given his own and Saints’ record against County, it is perhaps little wonder that Levein was displaying an air of confidence, but he will also know a share of the spoils is not enough this time.

“This isn’t an automatic relegation position we are talking about here is it?” he stressed. “It is position that we would go into a play-off, which then would become the biggest game, so I am looking at this in a fairly positive manner.

“We had 25 shots at goal at the weekend. That is by far the most we have had this season. I am hoping we can take that form into this match.”

Levein admitted that “we have been in the same position now for quite a while”, turning in “decent performances” without the rewards but hopes the tide will turn this time.

Cowie insists “we’ve got belief” despite a bruising home loss on Saturday he says has been quickly forgotten.

“Over the last six to eight weeks, we’ve picked up some very good results,” he said. “We’ve got to take a lot of positivity from that.

“We’ve managed to put ourselves in a very good position. With six games to go, we were four points behind St Johnstone.

“It’s going to be a real challenge, a tough game, because there’s a lot at stake. I’m sure St Johnstone will be ready and prepared, but we’ve got to match that and go beyond that.”