Stephen Robinson says Motherwell are in for a difficult task at St Johnstone on Saturday, as the Steelmen look to bounce back from defeat to Ross County last weekend.
Here’s what he had to say to the media on Friday.
On the trip to McDiarmid Park
“[It’s] a very difficult one, based on results over recent years. It’s a very tough venue to go to.
“I think St Johnstone’s league position doesn’t suggest what a decent squad they’ve got.
“It’s a few games into the season. That’s all it is. League tables at this moment in time aren’t too much to take concern over.
“They’ve made some good signings. They are an experienced side. They’ve got a lot of players who have played football at decent levels.
“Tommy always has them organised. It’ll be a very tough game. We are going with no illusions whatsoever.
“We have to earn the right to play football. And try to take the game to them as well.
“We’ve got people who can win the game as well. But we also have to be solid.
“It’ll be a difficult game for us, but one we will definitely be up for.”
On St Johnstone’s strengths
“When you look on paper, they’ve got a lot of good players.
“Players that can hurt you. The two wide players are very exciting players. Drey Wright coming back to full fitness as well.
“Murray Davidson, a player I’ve admired for a long time and is the heartbeat of their team.
“We will be very prepared for them. They are a decent side, as I say.”
On Charles Dunne’s injury
“[He has] a very similar injury on the other side of his groin. It’s unfortunate that Charles is going to miss a large chunk of the season again.
“We probably won’t see him before Christmas.
“David Devine, one of the younger boys we have massive hopes for, he has a crack in his cheekbone after a reserve game.
“We are a little bit light in that area, so the fact we have Bevis Mugabi is a blessing for us. A boy of experience that late on, and that good a player that late on, we are very happy with that signing.
“Charles is the most positive guy I’ve ever come across.
“I’ve worked with Charles and he had injury problems at Oldham. Charles doesn’t get anything normal. It’s things that are way out there that physios haven’t seen before and strange injuries.
“It’s a big disappointment for him. But knowing Charles, he will come back fitter, he will come back stronger.”