St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes has played down the prospect of the SPL new boys easing into a top-six spot this weekend with a win over Aberdeen at Pittodrie. "If we can jump a few places it will be great but it would take three or four other results to go our way," he said.

"The first quarter can give you an indication of how you are doing but I think it will be the turn of the year before we get a fairer reflection of how things are going.

"However, in terms of performances this season I've been pleased.

"If we can take something from the Aberdeen game then it will be a good solid start to the campaign.

"I had every confidence that my players would perform in this league when we came up and we have acquitted ourselves well, although like every manager I am always looking for more points.

"Aberdeen are a big club and have a good side but it is games like this that we have worked hard to earn the right to play.

"We have got to be positive and hopefully we will get a result."