The first half of the season has been an extremely encouraging one for St Johnstone, with the Perth men going into the January break in the top six and playing some exciting, attacking football.
But Saints boss Tommy Wright is still seeking improvement in the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign.
The matches will come thick and fast after the three-week Premiership rest, as the McDiarmid Park side seek to go deep into the Scottish Cup and elevate their league position.
“I’m looking for a big second half of the season from everyone,” said Wright.
“If we can maintain our standards and performances we should end up with pretty healthy points total and hopefully a good cup run.
“If we can improve, which we’re always looking to do, then it will be very healthy.
“We’ve got to make sure we get back to doing what we did in the latter half of 2018 and try to progress on that.”
Wright admitted that coming back from the break always carries a bit of “uncertainty” but that will also be the case for Saturday’s cup opponents, Hamilton Accies.
“I think everyone is just glad to get a game and we want to get back playing,” said the Northern Irishman.
“It’s always difficult because there will be that level of uncertainty with teams after the break.
“Everyone will be looking forward to the game and there is added pressure in terms of the importance of the game because it’s the cup.
“The good thing is that, with having the break, Hamilton and ourselves will have faced the same problems.
“We’ve had to prepare without competitive games. It’s going to be a tough match but one we should be going into with a lot of confidence.
“It’s a tough period for us because after Saturday it’s Livingston, Hearts and then Celtic twice. You couldn’t get much harder.
“But everyone is going to be glad to get back playing again and get into competitive football.”
