St Johnstone's Dan Phillips gives apologies to fans after Hibs defeat and bemoans lack of quality in key moments

Dan Phillips quickly apologised to supporters following St Johnstone’s defeat to Hibs - and touched on the need for players to take more responsibility.

Phillips, who was captain for the day at Easter Road, was again disappointed with the “naivety” of the goals conceded and the lack of quality in key moments.

The capital club ran out comfortable winners thanks to goals in either half from Lewis Miller and Dylan Vente.

“First and foremost I want to apologise to the fans,” Phillips said. “They deserve better.

“They came out to support us in numbers and full voice. We’ve let them down a bit.”

He added: “It is very early in the season and a lot of new players, but that is an excuse.

“We should have more points but we have let ourselves down by conceding sloppy goals.

“At some point the penny has got to drop. We’re looking to put it right ASAP.”

Miller had opened the scoring after being gifted the freedom of Edinburgh to nod home at the back post.

And, in the second half, Saints were cut open at the edge of their own box to allow Vente to double the advantage.

Phillips continued: “It is a recurring theme and a bit of naivety. It was pretty similar goals to last week.

“That is not something the manager can control. That is something we need to control on the pitch.

“The manager sets us up, you can see how we press and our shape. We let him down by switching off.”

Saints barely called Hibs goalkeeper David Marshall into action and often the final pass, cross or shot was lacking the required quality.

“I had a chance which I smashed over the bar,” Phillips said. “Nines times out of 10 I score in training. I have to score and get my head down.

“It was the same throughout the game where we were getting in good positions but lacking