HIBS midfielder Jamie McGrath is determined to bounce back from yesterday’s defeat by winning next Saturday’s Premier Sports Cup quarter final in Dingwall.
Hibs are just one game away from a trip to Hampden and the Republic of Ireland international aims to achieve that for the fans.
McGrath admitted that defensive errors and lack of clinical edge at the other end that ultimately cost his side yesterday in Perth.
A below-par first-half performance from Hibs saw them fall behind at half-time.
Josh Fowler opened the scoring at McDiarmid Park before Nathan Lowe netted his first league goal for Hibs.
But that lead was short-lived as Fowler restored the Saints’ lead from the penalty spot after Martin Boyle brought down Enes Ali? in the box.
Hibs rallied in the second-half, and should have at least earned a share of the spoils, having come close through Kanayo Megwa’s close-range header which was superbly saved by goalkeeper Toby Steward, but left empty-handed on what was a frustrating afternoon.
We just can’t start games the way we have done, especially the last two games,” he told Hibs TV.
“We’re giving ourselves a mountain to climb, and although the second half was better, we just can’t afford to start sloppy, and it’s something as players we need to look at.
“We’ve been given the set-up correctly and everything, but it’s down to us as players to take responsibility and just stop being so sloppy in our decision-making and being lethargic.
“If we’re not playing well, we need to be on the front-foot playing their half. It’s ultimately very disappointing, but we have a week now to work hard and try and put it right next week.
“I think we keep shooting ourselves in the foot the last few games.
“We need to eradicate those silly mistakes because ultimately at this level.
“The positives over the second half were probably a bit better.
“We got more of a foothold in the game and played the majority of the game in their half, but we probably didn’t create as much as we’d want.
“The first goal in this league is important, and you can’t afford to concede it, as it gives teams the chance to sit in.
“I thought they (St Johnstone) defended well today, and they sat in and made a difficult first, especially the last half an hour when we were pushing.
“But as front players we have to be better.
“We had a few half chances, and we need to be better in those positions.
“But on the positives, I was delighted for Nathan (Lowe), and he’s got his rewards for working his socks off the last few weeks, and hopefully that’s a start for him.
“We have to start the game like the way we did in the second-half, and we can’t keep relying on the second half, and we’re a goal or two down to start playing, but that’s down to us as players.”
Next up for Hibs is a trip to Ross County in the Premier Sports Cup Quarter-Final on Saturday, and McGrath believes his side can bounce back by securing a return to Hampden.
He added: “At this point, as it is, we’re one game away from the semi-finals at Hampden, and we have a full week now.
“Hopefully we get a few bodies back.
“It’s been a bit of a hectic schedule, so it’s nice to have a week leading in, but it’s going to be a tough task up there.
“We want to give our travelling fans something to shout about next week, and that’s our sole focus.”
