Dan Phillips faces up to St Johnstone battle and gives 'every game is a cup final' message

Dan Phillips says St Johnstone are in a battle to stay in the Premiership - but insists it is a battle the players are up for.

The central midfielder is disappointed with the position Saints find themselves in after going down 2-0 against second-from-bottom Ross County on Saturday.

The Perth side now sits just five points clear of the relegation play-off place and seven points off the foot of the table, currently occupied by Dundee United.

Speaking following the defeat to the Staggies, Phillips said: “We knew before the game what it meant and what we wanted to come out with.

“Now we have to realise what position we’re in and deal with it moving forward.

“We had the opportunity to push up the table a few weeks ago and maybe be in the top six.

“But now we’re in a battle to stay up. That is the reality. We have to get on board with that very quickly and get results.”

Phillips believes experience will come in handy but said that Saints must find a ruthless streak across the next seven fixtures.

“We had chances against Ross County and last week with 10 men which we haven’t taken,” he explained to the PA.

“We need to stay focused for 90 minutes and not concede silly goals. Then we’ll be fine.

“It has been a recurring theme this season conceding sloppy goals. There have been a few wonder goals but a lot of them have been sloppy and avoidable.

“As a team, we know the position we’re in. We’ll prepare properly and go out with the right intentions.”

Sections of the Perth support booed the team off at both half-time and full-time on Saturday.

Phillips said: “The fans are vital and have been important all season. Some of our biggest results wouldn’t have been possible without them.

“Naturally they will want to voice their