Steven MacLean admits St Johnstone were poor but hails attitude to clinch late point against Dundee

Steven MacLean admitted St Johnstone were poor in the dramatic draw with Dundee - but insists his squad will continue to improve.

The Perth boss watched as substitute Max Kucheriavyi netted a late double to haul Saints back from the jaws of defeat.

The visitors had opened up a two-goal lead by the hour mark and that was very much deserved.

But a late revival led to MacLean praising the attitude of his players.

He said: “I’m delighted with a point considering the performance wasn’t great.

“I knew it was going to be a tough game off the back of last week, a different game with all these new players. I’m delighted with the players’ application.”

MacLean added: “We were poor today - I’m not going to lie - but when you are poor and get a result like that, it’s good.

“I’ve always said this team is going to get better. It’s not going to be just like that [clicks fingers] - it’s 11 new players. We’re going to get better.

“There’s a lot of young players and they are learning about the league as well, it’s a better league than people give it credit for. It’s not easy - and they’ve probably seen that already. We’ll improve.”

Understandably, MacLean was delighted for Kucheriavyi.

“I’ve spoken to him about being in that back-post regularly,” MacLean said.

“I’m delighted for the wee man. Hopefully he can kick on now, he’s got three goals already. That’s a good return and he’s got double figures in him.”