St Johnstone were the Scottish First Division champions last season, but have failed to win any of their opening four SPL games this time around. "I know it's easy for managers to say they've got a great bunch of lads and all the rest of it but we genuinely have the best set of boys in the Premier League this season," said Saints boss Derek McInnes.

"Spirit and character - that will be vital for us. I'm very fortunate to have good people here.

"You speak to folk around the club and the supporters and nobody would have thought when we were relegated it would take seven years to get back up to the top flight.

"So we're conscious of being out of it so long, meaning there is a desire to make sure we're still an SPL club this time next season.

"We have respect for the opposition but I feel we're quite capable of taking points off every team we play."