Steven MacLean is confident St Johnstone are up for the battle after being sucked back into relegation trouble in recent months.
The Perth side looked comfortable in mid-table in February but a poor run of form – which cost manager Callum Davidson his job last month – has allowed clubs beneath them to close the gap.
Hibernian boss Lee Johnson claimed Scottish football’s “integrity” is at stake as he delivered a scathing attack on the way the game is being run north of the border after his side secured their place in the top six of the cinch Premiership on Saturday.
The Englishman was infuriated by the officiating in his side’s 1-1 draw at St Johnstone, with Hibees midfielder James Jeggo controversially sent off early in the second half. The frustrated manager said he does not “trust” Scotland’s “broken” disciplinary system to allow the red card to be overturned.
Barry Robson admitted the late dismissal of Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie took a little bit of shine off Saturday’s 1-0 victory away to St Johnstone.
The manager was delighted to see his side hold on for a fourth win on the spin after Remi Matthews fumbled Angus MacDonald’s effort into his own net.
St Johnstone ended a seven-match losing streak with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Fir Park which leaves Motherwell further in relegation danger.
Goals early in each half from Drey Wright and Melker Hallberg moved Saints seven points above Motherwell and Dundee United at the bottom of the cinch Premiership.
Stand-in captain Lawrence Shankland scored his 16th goal of the season as Hearts secured their first away league win over St Johnstone in 12 years to move three points clear in third place in the cinch Premiership.
The striker wore the armband in the absence of injured goalkeeper Craig Gordon and opened the scoring with a penalty before further strikes from Alan Forrest and substitute Barrie McKay secured a 3-2 victory in Perth.
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