Craig Levein is bracing himself for the toughest test of his short tenure as St Johnstone boss when Premiership leaders Celtic visit Perth on Sunday.
The former Scotland manager has drawn, won and lost against Motherwell, Ross County and Hearts respectively since taking over at McDiarmid Park last month.
Celtic crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday night with a 2-0 defeat to Lazio in Rome but Levein is well aware of their recent domestic dominance and prowess.
The Saints manager “for sure” believes his side are good enough to win but accepts they will be tested to destruction.
Levein said: “We have been in all of the games and for spells during those games we have played really well.
“In general we have defended really well apart from the first game where we got a little bit spooked.
“I have been pleased overall with the effort in particular and performances in spells and quite long spells at times, but this is the hardest test we will have faced to date.
“I am expecting them to be really difficult opponents.
“No matter what team Celtic put out, they are going to stretch you for sure.
“We are at home so I hope we settle into the game quicker than we did last week and we continue to try to do the things that Andy (Kirk, assistant) and I believe will help us win games but the proof is in the pudding.
“We have improved every week and apart from the first 15 minutes at Tynecastle I thought we were excellent and I expect us to improve again on Sunday.
“We are not in any way, shape or form worried about playing a club who are recognised as being a much bigger club than us.
“The intention is to try to win the game and for me, we are very capable of that.”
