If that happens and leaders Gretna beat struggling Airdrie United, the Borderers would be in an almost impregnable position, 12 points ahead of Saints. That, though, is not an issue for the Dundee boss.

“We will be concentrating on our own business and leave that sort of thing to others. This is a big game for St Johnstone, but also a big one for us.

“Our home form has been pretty good and we want to keep that going. We were also excellent at Airdrie last week and I want to see that kind performance again. If I get it, we would have a good chance of being happy at the end of 90 minutes tomorrow and that would be another indication we are heading in the right direction.

“I believe we are and I don’t want any let-up in the progress we’ve been making. It is important we keep going strongly right until the end of the season and do not let things peter out.”

With clean sheets and two wins plus a draw from the last three outings, the home side are likely to be unchanged. Alex refused to confirm that, but was forced to admit it would be hard to drop anyone after the five-star display a week ago.

“It is a case of seeing how everyone has been in training and then deciding. The boys really were exceptional at Airdrie, though, and you can draw your own conclusions from that.”

St Johnstone will have a new face in the dugout — former Airdrie United team boss Sandy Stewart, who was confirmed as Owen Coyle’s new No. 2 today.

And predecessor Jim Weir’s departure for Montrose has prompted a glowing tribute from his old boss.

“Jim was terrific for St Johnstone and great for me, and I’m sure he’ll be a tremendous manager,” said Owen.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Allan McManus is back in the squad after suspension and former Dundee United forward Derek Lilley is also included. Stylish full-back Goran Stanic is the only doubt with a leg injury, but he is back in training and will, hopefully, be fit enough to play.

After terrific results in the league against Gretna and Scottish Cup against Falkirk, plus a great display in losing to Hibs in the CIS Insurance Cup semi-final, Saints are looking forward to another big game against in-form opposition.

“Dundee have been doing very well. They are a good side with good players and we will give them the utmost respect, but we also have good players, too,” added Owen. We’re taking a great support with us and there will be a good atmosphere. We’re going to Dens looking for a good result and hoping to get one.”

Two of St Johnstone’s league fixtures have been redated. The Perth club are now away to QOS on Tuesday, March 6, and away to Partick on Tuesday, March 13.

Now, though, Craig believes the time has come to get back on track in terms of SPL results.

“I think it was obvious we had to do something to shore up the defence, because, for a while, every time the opposition got the ball it looked like we were going to concede,” he said.

“With Lee Wilkie coming in and growing stronger with each game, Christian Kalvenes fit again, Sean Dillon finding his feet in the SPL and David McCracken’s improved form, we are definitely a lot better at the back.

“That has been at some cost to our attacking play and, without sacrificing any of the work we’ve done at the back, we have to look to be more of a threat going forward.”

Craig does not believe the lack of punch has been down to a more defensive approach alone and also cited the absence of skipper Barry Robson through suspension for much of January as a major reason.

He was back in the line-up for the cup defeat at Inverness last week, but his gaffer felt a combination of factors led to him being at less than his best.

“There was a lot going on for Barry before Inverness. It was the cup, his old team, he’d been out and had just signed a new contract, and I think all that put added pressure on him.

“It’s all past now, and this week he can just relax and get on with playing — I certainly don’t think it is a coincidence that our results dipped when he was banned.”

And while he knows his men face a hard battle at Love Street, Craig feels the memory of three wins over St Mirren already this term should give them an edge.

“What’s gone before will not mean anything once the game has started, I know that, but we do have a good record against St Mirren and that means we are going there with some positive thoughts.”

Lee Mair’s surprise return to training yesterday means there is a full squad to pick from, but it is unlikely the former Dundee defender will feature.

“He’s back much quicker than I expected and that is a plus, but I think it might be better to give him a week in training and then consider him for the Hibs game, rather than throw him in tomorrow.”