St Johnstone interim boss Steven MacLean's passion rubbing off on squad ahead of Dundee United test, says Adam Montgomery

Adam Montgomery insists Steven MacLean’s passion is rubbing off on the St Johnstone squad ahead of a crucial Tayside test against Dundee United.

MacLean is preparing to take charge of his second game since being placed in interim charge following Callum Davidson’s departure.

Three huge points are up for grabs in Perth when local rivals United make the short trip along the A90 to McDiarmid Park.

And left-sided wing-back Montgomery said: “Macca is very passionate with what he does and that is rubbing off on the players.

“That is exactly what you want in a dressing room, especially being in the situation we’re in and when we haven’t won in a while.

“Hopefully we can pick up a win this weekend. I really enjoyed it with the old gaffer and I’m enjoying it under Macca just now.

“It is similar to the way I want to play – being aggressive, pressing and looking to get up and down as much as I can.”

Saints warmed-up for Saturday's tussle with a 3-2 friendly win against Hearts last Friday.

“It was good to have a couple of days off but also getting in the regime with the new manager, the way he wants to play and the way we want to do things,” Montgomery added.

“So it was a good week all round. It is a clean slate for a lot of the boys.

“The game against Hearts was a good opportunity for those who haven’t maybe played as much and also to play in a new system.”

Saints welcome a Dundee United team just two points worse off in 10th spot and, in that sense, there is a tremendous amount on the line at the Perth stadium.

Montgomery enjoys the pressure situations and is looking to book safety as soon as possible.

“When we’ve played Dundee United before, you can tell they have a good squad with good players,” he explained to the PA. “Jim