“There’s been a few times this season when we’ve lost and results elsewhere have been kind to us and, even when we were not playing last night, the two draws were probably about the best results we could hope for,” said Alex.

“I was at Firhill and, although Thistle were looking to go to the top of the table and Clyde started just below us, Clyde probably had the better of the draw and might feel a wee bit unlucky they didn’t win.”

While he is continually watching what is going on elsewhere, Alex is first to admit the most good that can be done for his team is by themselves.

Accordingly, he is looking for a performance when bottom club Airdrie United visit on Saturday.

“It’s fine things going for you in other games, but there comes a point where you have to do it for yourself and that is the stage we are at.

“If we start winning again from Saturday, we can move back up the table and be challenging, and it’s up to us to do that.”

If Brian McGinty recovers from a groin strain, Alex will have close to a full squad to choose from and, after being unhappy with the overall showing at Queen of the South last Saturday, he is set to make changes.

Whichever way he shuffles his pack, he will warn the team to expect a determined performance from a side out to impress a new manager, he feels, will bring even more steel to the First Division.

“Their players will have a lift from Kenny Black taking charge for his first game and, knowing the way he went about his business as a player, they are not going to be easy to beat.”

“We’ll all be taking in matches and it will be a mixture of looking at future opponents and players. I was going to head down to England and I still might, but being here for training in the morning means I’m limited in terms of how far I can travel,” said Craig.

“Either way, it is a good chance for us to take in games and we will make the most of it.”

On the subject of scouting, neighbours Dundee’s problem in facing new Airdrie United boss Kenny Black on Saturday also represents a loss for Craig, who had intended using his friend and former coaching colleague as a scout down south.

“It’s a blow to me, but I am delighted Kenny has got the chance to move into management and I am sure he will do a very good job for Airdrie.”

Defender David McCracken, meanwhile, could be losing his battle to shake off a hamstring problem in time to face the Buddies –— he’s now rated at no better than 50-50 for Sunday.

“He’s struggling a bit. If he does miss out, I think it will only be a one game thing and he’ll be back with us next week,” added Craig.

Fans are reminded that, as Sunday’s game has been rescheduled to avoid a fixture clash with Dundee and not for television purposes, kick-off will be 3 pm.

Season ticket holders, of which there are 1350, will be given the first opportunity to purchase tickets (one per person) when they become available.

Vouchers will also be given to the first 1800 Saints fans attending this Saturday’s home game against Livingston and they will be able to secure briefs when they become available.

Any tickets left will then go on general sale.