Steven MacLean's Thoughts On The Final Two Games

Kilmarnock reflection

“I watched the game back, like every other game, just to analyse it and see where we can do better. Just because we are safe doesn’t mean we stop, we still want to win.

“I saw a lot of good things from Saturday, but also things we can improve on. I was delighted with the result, but I feel like we should have won by 2 or 3 goals.

“I don’t want to sit in when we are winning by 1 goal, I want to go for the throat and win by 2 or 3. I would be worried if we were not creating chances, I wont fault anyone for getting into the right areas, we just have to make sure and finish them off.

“Cammy Ballantyne was great on Saturday, especially his energy levels. He showed some quality on the ball and looked like he wasn’t phased at all. I think he was pleasantly surprised when I told him he was playing, I am delighted for him as it was his first start in the league.

“I see Cammy as an attacking midfielder. I see him as someone who brings energy and can do a bit of everything, I think he showed that on Saturday.

Young talents

“All managers and supporters want young talents to come through, we have a number here at Saints who are doing really well. Young Alex Ferguson had a great spell at East Fife, Max done fantastic at Falkirk and Jackson Mylchreest is impressing alongside a number of talented players in our under 18 side.

“What I will say is that as long as I am here, there will be an opportunity for them to play. I think you saw from Saturday that I don’t have any problem playing them, if you are good enough then you are old enough.

“It is fantastic that our under 18s have the chance to win the league on Friday, alongside our under 17s who just reached the Cas Cup Final again hoping to defend their title. However, I will measure it more from how many of those groups we can progress into the next age group or first team. I wont take anything away from their success, that is fantastic, but for me I will be looking to provide a pathway for them.

Final two matches

“Momentum is a big thing in football, we have two games left and I will be making sure our standards don’t drop. We have been on a good run of form lately with 1 defeat in 4 matches and picking up 7 from a possible 12 points.

“I want to win every week. I don’t want to play for draws and see games out. Ross County are fighting for their life and we will need to be switched on from the start, but I can assure you we will be going there to win the match.

“There could possibly be a chance for the young lads to get some minutes before the end of the season, but I won’t be doing it for any sentimental reasons or just for the sake of it. They have to earn it.”

Squad update

“Dan Phillips is back in training and will be available for Ross County. Chris Kane is still in full training and hasn’t suffered any issues, we are delighted for him. We never managed to get him involved on Saturday, but I am sure he will play a part at some point over the final 2 games.