St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has been delighted to see his players react well to his demands - emphasising how he has told them to play without fear.
Saints have won twice, drawn once and lost four games since Valakari entered the dugout after a lengthy work-permit process.
Last weekend’s point at Aberdeen was a step forward and Valakari’s side have the chance to push up the Scottish Premiership table when they host St Mirren on Saturday.
When asked how his players had progressed since he took over, the Finn said: “I have only seen these players since I have been here and the very first day we made a promise to each other that we go without fear. Because if you play football with fear, you are afraid of mistakes, it doesn’t take you anywhere.
“I cannot say how much they have changed but what I can say is that I see them every day in training – hungry boys who want to improve as individuals and as a team. If I see that, it gives me confidence.”
