St Johnstone have got their sights set on a full set of Premiership points before the mid-season break, according to Chris Kane.
The Perth forward believes the trademark Saints fighting spirit was in evidence in defeat at Ibrox – but he refuted any suggestion from the Rangers camp that they crossed a line with an overly-aggressive approach to the game.
And the commitment that has seen them put daylight between themselves and the bottom of the table under new boss Craig Levein will be required if they’re to end their winless away run by getting the better of Kilmarnock, Livingston and then Dundee.
“It’s always hard coming to Ibrox,” said Kane.
“We had a game plan but the red card (for DJ Jaiyesimi) obviously makes things even harder.
“I thought all the boys stuck in and we made ourselves hard to break down.
“We tried to tuck in and hope to create some chances ourselves – there were a couple of half-chances just before they scored their second goal.
“On another day we might have sneaked something.
“Overall, we’re disappointed to lose but the boys can hold their heads high and go into our next game at Kilmarnock full of confidence.
“We believe we can go head to head with anyone these days.
“We’ve got three away games left before the break and we want to win them all.”
Not another bad tackle in the game
Rangers boss, Philippe Clement, was angered by Jaiyesimi’s red card challenge on John Lundstram and another one, thought to be by Dan Phillips, in the second half.
“It’s one of those where you take a touch, the ball gets away from you and you dive in,” said Kane, who came on shortly after the sending-off.
“I haven’t seen it back but it’s gone to VAR and that’s what they’ve decided.
“It’s unlucky for DJ. He’s been doing well for us.
“But apart from that, there wasn’t another bad tackle in the game.
“Both teams contested it well.”
Jaiyesimi’s suspension may open the door for a Kane start at Rugby Park.
“I want to start as many games as I can but so will Nicky (Clark), Stevie (May) and Luke (Jephcott),” said the double-winner.
“Whoever the manager picks will be ready to go.
“Hopefully I get a start.”
New contract
Earlier this week, Kane signed a contract extension through to the end of the season.
A deal being put on the table was a show of faith from his fourth McDiarmid Park manager.
“My main focus recently has been staying fit,” said Kane.
“Obviously, I’ve had injuries that have kept me out for the best part of two years.
“The manager pulled me in to tell me he wanted to keep me here.
“He offered me a contract and I was delighted to sign it.
“I knew that the weeks were counting down to the end of my contract but it wasn’t something I was overly worried about.
“This is a busy period.
“I knew that as long as I stayed fit, things would take care of themselves.”
Kane knows that earning a start is likely to get even harder next month, with Levein aiming to recruit a forward when the transfer window opens.
“You always need competition – I’ve had that all the time I’ve been here.
“Another striker coming in won’t be a bad thing.”
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