Tommy Wright only interested in St Johnstone’s Europa League push

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright insists he could not care less about stopping Celtic's quest for a blemish-free season.

But the Perth manager is desperate to keep his side's Europa League push on track when they travel to Parkhead on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers' rampant Hoops kept up their unbeaten domestic record last weekend with a 5-1 thrashing of Old Firm rivals Rangers.

That now leaves them with just four Premiership fixtures and the William Hill Scottish Cup final with Aberdeen to negotiate as they look to complete the treble without losing a match.

But Wright reckons sealing a return to European action is a bigger prize for his side than halting Celtic's historic 43-game streak.

He said: "I don't see stopping Celtic's run as being a carrot to chase. It means absolutely nothing to us.

"The only carrot for us is three points to make it more difficult for Hearts to catch us.

"We're not bothered about any records Celtic are going for. Our job is to get points for St Johnstone and by doing that also put more pressure on Rangers.

"Celtic's record won't even enter our team-talk or how we prepare for the game.''

Celtic will be without suspended skipper Scott Brown while Rodgers says right-back Mikael Lustig will be rested for Saints' visit.

But Wright still expects his side to receive a tough examination.

"If they rest Lustig, they can bring Christian Gamboa in,'' he said. "Scott Brown is suspended but they can bring Nir Bitton back.

"If that weakens them it doesn't do it by that much. They have the best squad by far.

"Brendan could make 10 changes and still have a really strong side. That's the level they are at.

"The league has been won since Christmas, easy - maybe even before - and they haven't taken their foot off the gas.

"Brendan won't allow that to happen. With the size of club they are the fans won't allow it and neither will the players, as they are all good professionals.

"They will want to finish the season off strongly, but so will we. My only concern is that we get enough points in these last four games to get fourth place.''