Valakari on 'hurting' Rangers, Saints progress & 'outside noise'

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premiership visit of Rangers.

Here are the key lines:

• Valakari wasn't surprised to see Rangers thrash Nice in Europe, saying it was "only a matter of time" before they performed like that and "you see the quality of their players".

• He added: "I saw a very determined team who has been hurting", but points out Sunday is different game and "it is our job to make it difficult for them".

• To get a positive result Valakari says Saints will have to do the basics well and "add some extra moments".

• The Finn describes his team as a "work in progress" who are "taking steps in the right direction".

• Having ended a three-game losing run by beating Kilmarnock last weekend, Valakari says Saints need results "more for the outside noise".

• Barry Douglas, Uche Ikpeazu, Sam McClelland and Cammy MacPherson are all out.