Ryan McGowan reckons St Johnstone handled themselves better on Saturday - but that greater heights can be reached in the upcoming quest for safety.
Saints halted a run of defeats by picking up a point against Hibs at McDiarmid Park in what was Steven MacLean’s first game as interim manager.
McGowan, who was deployed at right back, feels the Perth club will avoid relegation trouble if similar performances are produced in the remaining five post-split matches.
He does, however, sense that further improvements are on the immediate horizon.
McGowan said: “It was better than it has been, but still not where we want to be.
“Overall it was a much better performance and one we have to take into the next five games.
“They had the man sent off so early in the second half and then David Marshall pulls off two or three really good saves.
“Sometimes when you find yourself in the position we have been in, those saves don’t spill to someone in a Saints shirt.
“But I think the fans could see the performance was better than it has been.
“The fans were really good on Saturday, considering the position we’re in and how the results have been. If they can see we are giving 100 per cent, they will get behind us.
“As a playing group we’ve known that we’ve let them down in the last couple of months with performances and results.”
Saints sit two points clear of both 11th-placed Kilmarnock and Dundee United in 10th.
McGowan added: “If we play how we played on Saturday, we will be confident going into all the games that we can get a result.
“We’re two points ahead of Kilmarnock and Dundee United. We would much rather be in this position than behind them.
“Not too much has changed. We knew we were going to need to beat these teams when it came to the split.”
McGowan says interim boss Steven MacLean has wiped the slate clean with the Perth squad.
“He has set a few non-negotiables,” McGowan added.
“Having played against him, he was always one who left it all out on the pitch and that is what he wants from his team. In previous weeks, we hadn’t done that and that is down to us.
“Macca has come in and has said that is not acceptable and that he will be making changes.
“Everyone is on a clean slate so we need to make sure, if you are starting or coming on, that you are putting in maximum effort. We will need that every single week.”
The Australian defender had some words of thanks for departed manager Callum Davidson.
He said: “First and foremost he is an unbelievable guy.
“He brought me to the club and gave me the opportunity to play for this club. That is something I’ll always be grateful for.
“I don’t think you would find anyone in the changing room who has a bad word to say about him.
“As a playing group, we have to take responsibility for someone who we all looked up to losing his job.”
