Midfielder Daniel Phillips felt St Johnstone’s change of shape worked nicely against Rangers - and insisted the improved performance must now be a stepping stone.
Saints’ quest for Scottish Cup glory ultimately ended at the round four stage on Saturday evening after being edged out 1-0 by the visitors from Glasgow.
But the Perth side, setting up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, looked more structured and gave a far better account of themselves compared to previous weeks.
Phillips, a frontrunner for man of the match, told the PA: “I think the change of shape worked very well.
“The back four and midfield four moved as a team across the pitch well. We kept it narrow and that was the game-plan.
“Obviously we are disappointed to go out. You want to be in the next round of the cup.
“After a performance like that it is disappointing that one moment of a lack of discipline or the one time we switched off, we concede. But that is the level, isn’t it?
“As players we have been aware that the last few weeks have not been good enough. We came out on Saturday to make a statement, improve our game and show what we can do.
“I think for large periods of the game we did that. We were very good, kept Rangers quiet and had chances ourselves.”
Phillips, speaking with passion, added: “For us as a team, that was a marker and a stepping stone. That is the standard, the bare minimum and we can’t let ourselves drop below that again.
“We need to move forward and progress from that level. Next time we don’t concede. Next time we take our chances. We can’t drop our level again.”
A real positive for manager Callum Davidson was how Phillips worked alongside Cammy MacPherson in the middle of the park.
And Phillips explained: “It was really nice to play with Cammy. He is someone who gives 100 per cent and would cover me - and vice-versa.
“We are similar players in the sense that we like to battle and fight, but on the flip side, we love to get on the ball and play. Like I said to you a few weeks ago, I always want to play. I always want to be involved.
“We had a very good shape, were defensively disciplined and got chances to get on the ball. So I was loving it out there. I felt like we could have equalised.
“All I can do is put out my best performance on a Saturday and maintain my standards throughout the week.
“You need match fitness. You need confidence. You go into games with a steady head when you have been playing consistently so I want to build up a run of games and form.
“I felt very good fitness-wise. It felt like the whole team’s energy was good. It was a proper shift from everyone.”
