Glenn Middleton admits St Johnstone need to find a ruthless edge.
The attacker knows not making the most of being on top in games is hindering momentum in the fight for Premiership survival.
Having taken the lead against St Mirren last Wednesday night, the Perth side were unable to build on it.
And instead they were turned over, failed to find a way through the home defence and ultimately dropped back to the bottom of the table.
“When we got that first goal, we were showing a lot of the things we had been working on,” Middleton said.
“You could see that the confidence was building. For us, the next step is pushing through, being ruthless and putting ourselves out of sight.
“Not doing that is hurting us. It comes with belief. The more we keep doing the right things, the more it will come.
“I know that it needs to start pretty sharp but we’re all doing our best to make sure it does.”
Canadian forward Theo Bair was thrown into action for a club debut early in the second half and, while unable to get on the scoresheet, Middleton expects the powerful forward to make a big impact.
“Everyone is pushing each other on in training,” Middleton said. “We’re now in a strong position in terms of squad strength. It’s over to us to deliver.
“What you see with Theo is what you get. He is a well-built centre-forward and he is going to cause a lot of problems for teams.
“We need to give him the ball to do his thing and need to make chances for him. Once they start coming, I’m sure he’ll take them.
“We played a game in training and you could see his quality straight away. I’m sure he will deliver.”
Middleton won the penalty for Callum Hendry to fire Saints into a 28th minute lead and is determined to prove to manager Callum Davidson that he is worthy of regular starts. A trip to Pittodrie is next up.
“I was delighted to start,” he said. “I’ve just had to keep plugging away and coming off the bench to try do what I can. I’m desperate to always give 100 per cent and I think the manager knows that. At times it’s been tough. But when I get my chance I’m desperate to take it.
“I need to keep showing him that I’m capable of starting games and being a dangerman to cause problems.
“I think I did that when I came on at Livi and then on Wednesday to win the penalty. I need to build on that and give
more. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves, can’t stop trying and we always need to keep giving 100 per cent in every game.
“We need to keep pushing and it will be the same when we play Aberdeen next Tuesday. We’ll have to go for it - and we definitely will.”
