BOSS Tommy Wright believes St Johnstone have to be at their very best if they are to overcome Hearts at McDiarmid Park for the second time this season.
Saints reached the quarter-finals of the Betfred Cup with a 3-2 win over Robbie Neilson's side in August.
Wright, who saw club captain Dave Mackay retire this week through a hip issue, insists his side have to reach those same heights on Saturday if they are to garner points against the second-placed Jambos, who have not lost since their cup exit.
The Northern Irishman said: "It (win over Hearts) gives us a lot of confidence.
"The games between the two sides have been intriguing.
"There was a lot of goals in them last season and that continued into this season with a 3-2 against them.
"They are a quality side. They have had a good start in the league, they have strengthened what is already a good squad.
"They have a real physical presence and among that they have quality players like (Jamie) Walker, (Sam) Nicholson and (Tony) Watt, who I think is going to be a great signing for them and we have to be on our A game to get a result.
"It is good that a club our size can compete with the club the size of Hearts and we have done that already this season.
"We go into the game knowing we can win but we have to deliver, and as I say, we have to be on our A game because they are a good side."
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