Following his team’s draw at McDiarmid Park, Neil said, “St Johnstone can still mount a challenge.

“St Mirren are fortunate they have had continuity of team selection.

“But it’s not over yet. St Johnstone are the most entertaining team we’ve played.”

Saints hope John Henry will have recovered from injury to take part in tomorrow’s home reserve match against East Fife.

But Kieran McAnespie is struggling to make it due to flu and Stephen Dobbie is still out injured.

Kevin Fotheringham, who made his comeback from a long injury lay-off in the Forfarshire Cup against Arbroath, is likely to get another runout.

Skipper Kevin James was frank and to the point after his side fell further behind in the promotion race, drawing 1-1 with lowly Stranraer.

“Not good enough,” said the big central defender before he revealed that player-boss Owen Coyle has cancelled days off for his players until they get things right on the park.

“We’ve got to get back to basics and we’ve got to work hard on the training ground,” said Kevin just minutes after the whistle had blown on another disappointing 90 minutes for Saints.

“We had a few chances to win and, if we are to have any aspirations of going into the Premierleague, they must go in.

“The buck stops at the players and we have to earn our luck.

“We’ve got to start working harder and believing in ourselves. I can understand the fans frustration, but I’d ask them to stick by us.”

Saints had 10 efforts on goal before David Hamilton gave Stranraer a half-time lead with their first effort on the home goal.

And it took the hosts until the 83rd minute to level through Paul Sheerin. Thereafter, they bombarded the visiting goal with extra vigour, but the Stair Park team repelled everything Saints could throw at them.