CRAIG BRYSON couldn't help St Johnstone put Premiership points on the board at Ibrox as Rangers marched on towards the title.
But the midfielder reckons he has done his Hampden hopes no harm with a fine showing against Steven Gerrard's side on Wednesday night.
The Saints played their part in a competitive encounter as Ianis Hagi netted the only goal of the game and they could have had something to show for their efforts as Bryson was denied by Allan McGregor on three occasions.
The trip to Livingston is next on the agenda for Callum Davidson's side and Bryson is eager to impress once again in what will be a warm-up outing ahead of the Betfred Cup final later this month.
Bryson said: "The boys did unbelievable the last time they were at Hampden to beat Hibs 3-0 so it will be tough to force myself into the team that played that day.
“But when you do get the opportunity to play it's up to yourself to put in a good performance and I thought I did that the other night.
READ: Kemar Roofe challenge didn't have 'malice', says St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson
“It's hard to judge [if this will be a dress rehearsal for the final on Saturday]. Obviously it's astro-grass down there so it's a bit of a different game.
“The pitch is also a bit smaller there than Hampden so we'll see how it goes.
“We didn't put in a good performance the last time we were at Livingston so we'll be looking to put that right on Saturday.
“Of course [we want to halt their winning run] but we don't particularly look at Livingston's form. We just concentrate on our own.
“But ever since they've appointed their new manager they've been on an excellent run.
“We know it will be a tough game like it always is there but we'll go there full of confidence and try to come away with the three points.
“They are going to be full of confidence and really up for it. They are always a tough team to play when they're at home.
“Saturday will be no different. Conditions probably won't be great so it could be an interesting game."
A win at Hampden would be the highlight of the campaign and a moment to remember for Davidson and his players as they set their sights on the silverware.
📺🆕 | “I thought the attitude was brilliant. They never gave up, never stopped fighting.”
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) February 3, 2021
Callum Davidson spoke to #SaintsTV after tonight’s game against Rangers.#SJFCLive pic.twitter.com/tt5bEVHs7n
A top six berth is also not out of the equation for the Saints this term, though. Their efforts were not rewarded at Ibrox, but there were plenty of positives to take on the night.
Bryson said: “We didn't start the second half great and they got the goal.
“But our reaction from that was good. We started pressing them a wee bit higher up the pitch, started taking more care of the ball and strung together a good few passes. We started to hurt them a wee bit more.
“But Rangers are a good team right now. They are flying this season, so to come here and be disappointed that we never got anything from the game shows we put up a good fight.
“We have to take a bit of confidence from the last half an hour with the we played and the chances we created. We'll go into Saturday now hoping to get the three points.
“The gaffer is kind of prone to making changes every week. I'm not sure Saturday against Livi will be any different.
“It was obviously a tough game, the pitch was quite heavy and energy sapping so we'll see how it goes on Saturday.
"Yeah of course [we fancy ourselves for the top six]. It's tough, of course. We need to keep on picking up results against the teams round about us.
"But we feel the performances we've put in this season mean we deserve to be a wee bit higher up the table.
“But in games when we've had chances, we've maybe not taken them and been punished or come away with a draw. So it's up to us to turn those draws into wins."
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