St Johnstone’s Murray Davidson is surprised to see Dundee rooted to the bottom of the league table – now he is planning to inflict further pain.
The Perth side welcome Paul Hartley’s squad to McDiarmid Park on Sunday afternoon for what will be Saints’ 700th match in the Premiership, dating back to the inaugural Premier Division season of 1975/76.
Davidson, who believes Dundee will eventually work themselves up the table, knows there is a strong determination among the home camp to net three points in the first Tayside derby of the campaign.
“I’m surprised to see Dundee down there because they have a lot of good players and are an established Scottish Premiership team now,” Davidson declared.
“It’s still early in the season and I think a lot of people look too much into it. I don’t see Dundee being in any problems but they will be looking to pick up results as soon as possible.
“But our main concern is St Johnstone. It’s up to us to bounce back. A derby game and an early kick off so it’s one we’ll need to be ready for.
“Even if we’d won on Saturday, you would want to keep it going. Everyone was extremely disappointed after the game so it’s very important that we bounce back. It was the most disappointed I’ve been in a long time.
“I’ve spoken to a few Hearts fans who were at the game on Saturday and they said Dundee were a little bit unlucky. It’s a derby and will always be a tough game. I’m sure it will be a very competitive game.
“Against Dundee it’s built up to be a big game and we do know the importance of them. But at the end of the day it’s another three points which we’re looking to get for the club.”
Midfield enforcer Davidson is hoping for a bumper crowd in Perth this weekend. And he praised the efforts of a group of fans – known as Fair City Unity – who have been trying to create an atmosphere at McDiarmid Park.
“I think it’s great,” he said. “Every time I see them they bring a bit of atmosphere and are not causing any trouble or going over the top. They are supporting St Johnstone.
“Sometimes with derby games the fans look more into it than the players.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s important to us, but it can be extra special for the fans.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to get a positive result for everyone.”
Davidson, personally, has been in impressive form in the heart of the Perth midfield and knows any lapse in performance will result in a place on the bench.
“A lot of people turn around and talk about the injuries,” he said.
“But I’ve had one serious injury in the past four years and missed a lot of football because of it.
“That can happen to anyone.
“Last year I played a lot of games and I felt the big thing last season – and this season – was getting in a full pre-season. I’m feeling fit and strong.
“We had four midfielders on the bench at the weekend so if you aren’t playing well you won’t be in the team.
“There are plenty of options all over the pitch.
“Numbers-wise this is as strong as it’s been. Looking around the dressing room this year there is plenty of competition.
“Training has always been good and competitive. The manager can only pick 11 players so everyone is trying to get a place, which is the way it should be.
“Sometimes if you have 12 fit players then people go through the motions. I’ve never seen that here because training is always kept at a tempo and maybe extra so now.”